Veteran pitcher Cody Poteet’s tenure with the New York Yankees lasted a mere one day after the team designated him for assignment on Saturday, a surprising move following his major league debut with the club.
NEW YORK – In a stunning roster move, the New York Yankees designated veteran right-hander Cody Poteet for assignment on Saturday, just one day after he made his debut for the team. Poteet, 29, had been called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make a spot start on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing seven runs on 11 hits over five innings in an 11-3 loss. The decision to cut ties with Poteet so quickly underscores the Yankees’ urgency to maintain a competitive roster and their willingness to make swift changes in their pursuit of a World Series title.
“It’s part of the game,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said regarding the tough decision. “You’re trying to make decisions you feel like are the best for the team.”
The move comes as a surprise given the Yankees’ recent pitching injuries, which necessitated Poteet’s call-up in the first place. However, the team opted to prioritize other roster needs, including bolstering their bullpen and providing more flexibility.
To make room for Poteet’s roster spot, the Yankees activated right-handed pitcher McKinley Moore from the 15-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. This maneuver suggests the Yankees are looking for immediate bullpen help as they navigate a challenging stretch of games.
Poteet’s brief stint with the Yankees marks an abrupt end to what he hoped would be a longer opportunity to prove himself at the major league level. Claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins earlier this season, he had posted solid numbers in Triple-A, earning him the call-up when injuries struck the Yankees’ pitching staff.
The Yankees’ decision highlights the cutthroat nature of professional baseball, where even veteran players can find themselves on the outside looking in after just one performance. Poteet now faces an uncertain future, subject to waivers, where other teams can claim him. If he clears waivers, he could accept an assignment back to the Yankees’ minor league system, but he would also have the option to become a free agent.
The Yankees, meanwhile, will continue to explore options to strengthen their pitching staff as they aim to maintain their position atop the American League East and make a deep playoff run.
Background on Cody Poteet:
Cody Poteet was originally drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 28th round of the 2015 MLB draft out of UCLA. He was later traded to the Miami Marlins organization, where he spent the majority of his professional career before being claimed off waivers by the Yankees. Poteet made his major league debut with the Marlins in 2021, appearing in seven games and posting a 2-0 record with a 4.41 ERA. He missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery.
Prior to his call-up to the Yankees, Poteet had pitched well in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, showcasing improved command and velocity. However, his struggles in his lone start against the Dodgers ultimately led to his swift departure from the Yankees roster.
Impact of the DFA:
The decision to designate Poteet for assignment has several implications for both the Yankees and Poteet himself.
- Yankees: The Yankees free up a roster spot to address other needs, particularly in the bullpen. They are clearly prioritizing immediate performance and roster flexibility as they contend for a championship. The move also signals a lack of confidence in Poteet’s ability to contribute in the short term. The Yankees are betting that they can find a more effective option, either internally or through a trade.
- Cody Poteet: Poteet faces an uncertain future. He will be placed on waivers, where any other MLB team can claim him. If claimed, he would join that team’s 40-man roster. If he clears waivers, the Yankees can assign him back to their minor league system, but Poteet has the right to refuse the assignment and become a free agent. This decision will likely depend on whether he believes he has a better opportunity to reach the major leagues with another organization.
Yankees’ Pitching Situation:
The Yankees’ pitching staff has been hit hard by injuries this season. Key starters like Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt are currently on the injured list, forcing the team to rely on depth options. While Nestor Cortes and Carlos Rodón have provided stability, the Yankees need consistent performance from their entire rotation to compete at the highest level.
The team’s willingness to quickly move on from Poteet suggests they are actively evaluating all available options to bolster their pitching depth. This could involve promoting other prospects from the minor leagues, making a trade for a veteran pitcher, or signing a free agent.
The McKinley Moore Factor:
The activation of McKinley Moore from the injured list and his subsequent option to Triple-A is a significant part of this roster shuffle. Moore, a hard-throwing right-hander, has impressed the Yankees with his potential. However, he is still relatively inexperienced and needs further development at the Triple-A level.
By activating Moore and optioning him, the Yankees accomplish two things: they clear a roster spot for another player (in this case, likely a reliever), and they get Moore closer to the major league team in case of another injury or performance issue. Moore represents a potential future asset for the Yankees, and his progress in Triple-A will be closely monitored.
Boone’s Perspective:
Aaron Boone’s comments after the game reflect the difficult decisions that managers face in professional baseball. He emphasized the team’s focus on making moves that are “the best for the team,” even if those moves are unpopular or involve cutting ties with players who have just joined the organization.
Boone’s ability to navigate these challenging situations and maintain a positive clubhouse atmosphere will be crucial as the Yankees navigate the ups and downs of a long season.
Potential Replacements for Poteet:
The Yankees have several options to replace Poteet in the short term. They could call up another pitcher from Triple-A, such as Yoendrys Gomez, who has been pitching well in the minor leagues. They could also explore trade options, targeting a veteran pitcher who is available from another organization. Another option is to sign a free agent, although the available free-agent pitchers at this point in the season are generally not top-tier talents.
Ultimately, the Yankees’ decision will depend on their assessment of their internal options and the availability of external candidates. They will be looking for a pitcher who can provide immediate stability and contribute to their bullpen or rotation.
The Competitive Landscape:
The American League East is one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, with several teams vying for playoff spots. The Yankees face stiff competition from the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays. To win the division and make a deep playoff run, the Yankees need to have a strong and reliable pitching staff.
The decision to designate Poteet for assignment underscores the Yankees’ commitment to winning and their willingness to make tough choices to improve their chances.
Future Implications for the Yankees:
This move could signal a broader strategy by the Yankees to be more aggressive in managing their roster and making quick decisions based on performance. In the past, the Yankees have sometimes been hesitant to cut ties with veteran players, even when they were not performing well. However, this decision suggests a new willingness to prioritize performance and make changes as needed.
This approach could benefit the Yankees in the long run, as it allows them to be more adaptable and responsive to changing circumstances. However, it could also create some tension within the clubhouse, as players may feel less secure in their roster spots.
MLB’s DFA Process Explained
Designating a player for assignment (DFA) is a procedural move in Major League Baseball that removes a player from a team’s 40-man roster. This creates a roster spot for another player. Once a player is DFA’d, the team has seven days to either trade, release, or outright the player to the minor leagues (if he has options remaining).
- Trade: The team can attempt to trade the player to another team. If a trade is agreed upon, the player is immediately added to the new team’s 40-man roster.
- Release: The team can release the player, making him a free agent. He is then free to sign with any other team. However, the releasing team is still responsible for paying the remainder of the player’s contract (unless another team signs him).
- Outright Assignment: If the player has minor league options remaining, the team can outright him to the minor leagues. The player remains in the organization but is no longer on the 40-man roster. The player can refuse an outright assignment if he has accrued three years of major league service time or has been previously outrighted. In this case, he becomes a free agent.
- Waivers: Before a player can be traded, released, or outrighted, he must first be placed on waivers. This gives other teams the opportunity to claim the player. If a team claims the player, they assume his contract and add him to their 40-man roster. The claiming team is awarded based on the reverse order of the standings. If multiple teams claim the player, the team with the worst record in the same league as the DFA’d player gets priority. If no team claims the player within the waiver period (typically 47 hours), the original team can proceed with trading, releasing, or outrighting him.
In Poteet’s case, he will be placed on waivers. If no team claims him, the Yankees can try to assign him to the minor leagues. However, Poteet would likely choose to become a free agent instead, seeking a better opportunity with another organization.
Detailed Analysis of Poteet’s Performance Against the Dodgers
While one game is a small sample size, Poteet’s performance against the Dodgers provided some insights into why the Yankees might have been hesitant to give him another opportunity. He struggled with command, leaving several pitches over the middle of the plate that the Dodgers hitters were able to capitalize on. His fastball velocity was also down slightly from what he had shown in Triple-A.
Specifically, Poteet’s struggles were evident in the following areas:
- Location: He consistently missed his spots, particularly with his fastball. He struggled to locate the pitch on the corners of the plate and often left it up in the zone, where the Dodgers hitters could drive it.
- Command of Secondary Pitches: His secondary pitches, including his slider and changeup, were also inconsistent. He struggled to throw them for strikes and often fell behind in the count.
- Contact Management: He allowed a high percentage of hard-hit balls, indicating that the Dodgers hitters were comfortable with his pitches and were able to make solid contact.
While Poteet had shown promise in Triple-A, his inability to translate that success to the major league level in his lone start against the Dodgers likely played a significant role in the Yankees’ decision to designate him for assignment.
The Importance of Bullpen Depth in Modern Baseball
The Yankees’ decision to prioritize bullpen depth over giving Poteet another start reflects a broader trend in modern baseball. Bullpen usage has increased dramatically in recent years, with teams relying more and more on their relievers to get through games.
This trend is driven by several factors, including:
- Increased Velocity: Relievers typically throw harder than starters, allowing them to generate more strikeouts and limit opposing offenses.
- Specialization: Teams often use relievers in specific roles, such as left-on-left matchups or high-leverage situations. This allows them to maximize the effectiveness of their bullpen arms.
- Data Analysis: Advanced data analytics have shown that starters often become less effective as they face hitters multiple times in a game. As a result, teams are more likely to pull their starters early and turn to their bullpens.
Given the importance of bullpen depth, the Yankees are likely prioritizing finding relievers who can consistently get outs in high-pressure situations. This explains their willingness to move on from Poteet and explore other options to bolster their bullpen.
Fan Reaction and Media Coverage
The Yankees’ decision to designate Poteet for assignment has generated mixed reactions from fans and the media. Some have criticized the move as being too hasty, arguing that Poteet deserved another opportunity to prove himself. Others have defended the decision, citing his poor performance against the Dodgers and the Yankees’ need to prioritize immediate performance.
Many media outlets have described the move as “surprising” and “shocking,” given the Yankees’ recent pitching injuries and Poteet’s solid performance in Triple-A. Some analysts have suggested that the Yankees may have already identified another pitcher they plan to acquire, either through a trade or free agency.
Regardless of the specific reasons behind the move, it is clear that the Yankees are determined to do whatever it takes to win, even if it means making difficult decisions and cutting ties with players who have just joined the organization.
The Role of Analytics in Roster Decisions
Modern baseball is heavily influenced by data analytics, and it’s highly probable that analytics played a role in the Yankees’ decision to DFA Poteet. Teams now have access to a wealth of data on player performance, including pitch velocity, spin rate, launch angle, exit velocity, and more. This data can be used to evaluate a player’s strengths and weaknesses, predict future performance, and make informed roster decisions.
The Yankees likely used analytics to assess Poteet’s performance in Triple-A and compare it to his performance against the Dodgers. They may have identified specific areas where he was struggling, such as pitch location or command of secondary pitches. They may have also used analytics to project his future performance and determine that he was unlikely to be a significant contributor to the team.
While analytics are not the sole determinant of roster decisions, they are an important tool that teams use to make informed choices and maximize their chances of success.
The Psychological Impact on Players
Being designated for assignment can be a devastating experience for a player. It can create uncertainty about their future, damage their confidence, and make it difficult to focus on their performance.
Players who are DFA’d often feel a sense of rejection and may question their abilities. They may also worry about finding a new team and maintaining their career.
It is important for teams to handle these situations with sensitivity and provide support to players who are being DFA’d. This can include offering counseling services, providing assistance with finding a new team, and helping the player maintain a positive attitude.
In Poteet’s case, the Yankees’ decision to designate him for assignment so quickly after his debut was particularly harsh. It is likely that he is feeling a mix of disappointment, frustration, and uncertainty. However, he is a veteran player who has overcome adversity in the past, and he will likely be able to bounce back from this setback.
The Business of Baseball
The decision to designate Poteet for assignment is a reminder that baseball is a business. Teams are constantly evaluating their rosters and making decisions based on financial considerations and competitive goals.
While teams often talk about loyalty and commitment, the reality is that players are often treated as commodities. They can be traded, released, or DFA’d at any time, regardless of their past performance or personal relationships.
This can be a difficult reality for players to accept, but it is an inherent part of the professional sports landscape.
The Importance of Opportunity
In baseball, as in life, opportunity is crucial. Cody Poteet received an opportunity to pitch for the New York Yankees, albeit a short one. While he didn’t perform as well as he hoped, the experience could still be valuable to him. He now has a better understanding of what it takes to succeed at the major league level and can use that knowledge to improve his game.
Similarly, the Yankees are constantly seeking opportunities to improve their roster and increase their chances of winning. The decision to designate Poteet for assignment was a calculated risk, but it was also an opportunity to explore other options and potentially find a more effective player.
Conclusion: A Ruthless but Necessary Decision?
The Yankees’ decision to designate Cody Poteet for assignment after just one day with the team is a stark reminder of the cutthroat nature of professional baseball. While the move may seem harsh, it underscores the team’s unwavering commitment to winning and their willingness to make difficult decisions to improve their chances of success. Whether this decision ultimately pays off remains to be seen, but it is clear that the Yankees are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a World Series title.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why did the Yankees DFA Cody Poteet so quickly? The Yankees designated Poteet for assignment primarily because of his poor performance in his debut start against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he allowed seven runs on 11 hits in five innings. Additionally, the Yankees were likely looking to address other roster needs, particularly in the bullpen, and needed to free up a 40-man roster spot. According to manager Aaron Boone, the decision was made to make decisions that “feel like are the best for the team.”
- What does “designated for assignment” (DFA) mean? Being designated for assignment means that a player is removed from the team’s 40-man roster. The team then has seven days to trade, release, or outright the player to the minor leagues. During this time, the player is placed on waivers, allowing other teams to claim him.
- What are Cody Poteet’s options now that he has been DFA’d? Poteet has several options. First, another MLB team can claim him off waivers, in which case he would join that team’s 40-man roster. If he clears waivers, the Yankees can assign him back to their minor league system. However, Poteet has the right to refuse the assignment and become a free agent, allowing him to sign with any team.
- Who replaced Cody Poteet on the Yankees’ roster? To make room for Poteet’s DFA, the Yankees activated right-handed pitcher McKinley Moore from the 15-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. This maneuver suggests the Yankees are looking for immediate bullpen help as they navigate a challenging stretch of games.
- What does this move say about the Yankees’ approach to managing their roster and pitching staff? This move indicates that the Yankees are prioritizing immediate performance and roster flexibility, especially given the recent injuries to key pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt. It suggests a willingness to make quick decisions and move on from players who are not performing up to expectations, even if they are veteran players or recently acquired. The Yankees are clearly focused on building a roster that can compete for a championship.
