Following last night’s victory over the White Sox, the Yankees reportedly optioned starting pitcher Chance Adams to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. This move makes room for J.A. Happ, who is set to be activated from the disabled list ahead of tonight’s game against the Texas Rangers.
The Yankees called Adams up last weekend as an emergency spot starter. Injuries to Happ, a Sonny Gray demotion, and the use of Lance Lynn and Luis Cessa in long relief forced the Bombers to turn to the former top prospect. For his part, Adams pitched well against the Red Sox. He held arguably the best team in baseball to three runs over five innings, while striking out two batters.
Adams, 23, has spent most of the year pitching for the RailRiders with mixed results. He owns a 4.50 ERA with a 4.32 FIP across 98 innings in Scranton. He’s pitched far better of late, however, registering a 3.33 ERA (3.64 FIP) since June 1st. The right-hander continues to shake off rust following offseason elbow surgery, and the more he pitches, the better he looks.
I thought the Yankees should keep Adams around and use a six-man rotation for a turn, but the club sees things differently. Regardless, I don’t think this is the last we’ll see of him. He figures to be a September call-up candidate. After holding his own against the Red Sox, in Fenway Park no less, it’s fair to say he earned it.