Yankees demote Chad Green, activate Gary Sanchez in flurry of roster moves

The Yankees’ roster churn continues. They reshuffled their pitching staff yesterday, demoting Joe Harvey and adding Jonathan Loaisiga to the bullpen. Today, they’ve made a couple more moves, sending Kyle Higashioka to Triple-A, activating Gary Sanchez from the IL, and optioning Chad Green. As the corresponding move to the Green demotion, Stephen Tarpley has been recalled.

The most eye-popping move here is Green’s demotion, though it comes as no surprise after a nightmare April from the right-handed reliever. It appears that last night’s implosion was the last straw for the Yankees, as Green allowed four runs and recorded just one out against the Angels. Over his last two appearances combined, Green has allowed seven runs in just one-third of an inning.

Green’s ERA now sits at 16.43 across 7.2 innings. He’s walked four and struck out just seven. It’s unclear what in particular has afflicted Green, but something is obviously off. It’s difficult to watch a young, talented player struggle so mightily and publicly. Hopefully, Green manages to fix whatever is broken down in Triple-A.

In brighter news, Sanchez’s return offers a brief respite from the torrent of injuries. Sanchez had hit six home runs in just 11 games before hitting the IL with a calf problem. To make room, Higashioka will head back to Scranton after recording three hits, two of them doubles, in 15 at-bats in the majors this season.