The New York Yankees lost a bit more of their pitching depth on Thursday.
They had an experienced MLB veteran working hard in Triple-A to get another shot at the major leagues.
Instead, Anthony DeSclafani opted out of his contract to sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
DeSclafani clearly had a clause allowing him to opt-out if he hadn't been promoted to the majors by a certain date.
The news was reported by the New York Post's Joel Sherman.
DeSclafani is 35 years old and past his prime, but the right-hander has a 4.20 ERA in his MLB career with 54 wins.
He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2023 with the Giants.
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This season, DeSclafani has a 4.50 ERA in five starts at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
The Yankees may not have needed DeSclafani, but even the loss of pitchers like him and the released Brandon Leibrandt can put stress on an organization. Arms have to get moved up to Triple-A that may not be ready for it yet.
DeSclafani must feel he has a better path to the majors with the DBacks, which is probably true after they just loss ace Corbin Burnes for the season.
If the veteran makes it back to the show, it won't be in the Bronx.
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