Yankees activate Cameron Maybin, option Stephen Tarpley to Triple-A

The Yankees optioned Stephen Tarpley to Triple-A after last night’s drubbing at the hands of the Red Sox, and today, they announced the corresponding move, activating outfielder Cameron Maybin from the injured list. Maybin had been out since June 21st with a left calf strain.

Maybin’s return will give the Yankees another option in the outfield, with Giancarlo Stanton still hurt and Brett Gardner recently hitting the injured list. Maybin had ingratiated himself exquisitely with the Bronx faithful before his injury, submitting a robust .314/.391/.500 slash line in 133 plate appearances. He made three rehab appearances with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, recording six hits in 13 at-bats in the process.

Tarpley’s demotion isn’t surprising, but it marks what must have been a hectic day for the young left-hander. Tarpley rushed to Boston after Gardner was placed on the IL and didn’t reach Fenway Park until after the game started, per NJ.com. He was thrust into a difficult situation after Masahiro Tanaka imploded against the Red Sox and yielded four runs in just 1.2 innings, boosting his ERA on the season to 8.22. Tarpley has found more success in the minors this year, pitching to a 3.07 ERA in 29 innings.

Notably, Maybin’s promotion leaves Clint Frazier still in Triple-A. Frazier seemed a reasonable candidate to take Gardner’s spot, but the 24-year-old outfielder will remain on the farm for now. Frazier has performed solidly in the minors, posting a .277/.344/.509 line.