The New York Yankees made a somewhat crucial decision today pertaining to their bullpen, as the club announced that they have signed relief pitcher Adam Ottavino to a major league contract. He was promptly added to the active roster.
The reason for the signing stems from Yankees closer Devin Williams heading to the paternity list. Williams’ absence will be temporary from the active roster. To add Ottavino, the Yankees made space by sending JT Brubaker to the 60-day injured list.
Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Signed RHP Adam Ottavino to a Major League contract and added him to the active roster.
• Transferred RHP JT Brubaker to the 60-day injured list.
• Placed RHP Devin Williams on the paternity list.— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 1, 2025
Adam Ottavino Returns to Yankees to Bolster Bullpen
The right-handed Ottavino is a 14-year major league veteran who has pitched for five teams. He started his career in 2010 with the St. Louis Cardinals. He then went on to play for the Colorado Rockies for seven seasons, the Yankees for two seasons, the Boston Red Sox for a single season, and the New York Mets for three.
His most recent stint was in Queens with the Mets. Ottavino finished the 2024 season with a 2-2 record and a 4.34 ERA in 60 games and 56 innings pitched. He allowed 27 earned runs on 49 hits and six home runs.
Ottavino struck out 70 batters, walking only 23 of 245 batters faced. He holds a career ERA of 3.49 in 724 games pitched.
Ottavino will likely assist at the back end of the bullpen late in games. The Yankees will miss their closer for the time being, but can depend on other relievers like Luke Weaver and Ottavino.
The Yankees’ early-season signee had saved 12 games in 2023 for the Mets, and 11 games in 2021 for the Red Sox. He has a total of 46 saves in his career. The right-handed reliever stands at a strong 6’5″, employing a six-pitch mix. He relies primarily on a sweeper and sinker.
His sweeper sits in the high 70s to low 80s, while the sinker sits at 92-93mph. His four-seamer is healthy at 94-95 mph, but he rarely depends on it.
