Yankees place Zack Britton on injured list, demote Miguel Andujar

The Yankees announced this morning that they have placed reliever Zack Britton on the injured list with a left hamstring strain. They also sent Miguel Andujar back to their alternate site. In corresponding moves, the Yankees recalled right-handed pitchers Ben Heller and Miguel Yajure.

Britton clutched his hamstring after throwing his final pitch in last night’s loss to the Rays. It was the latest blow in a string of injuries that has not dissipated in 2020. Britton performed at a high level as the Yankees waited for Aroldis Chapman to return from a COVID-19 diagnosis and as Tommy Kahnle was lost for the year, turning in a 2.00 ERA in nine innings.

The Yankees brought back Heller and Yajure as reinforcements. Heller has made three appearances this season, allowing one run in 2.2 innings. Yajure has yet to make his major league debut, and in fact hasn’t thrown a pitch above Double-A. The 22-year-old impressed across two levels of the minors in 2019, maintaining a 2.14 ERA in 138.2 innings.

To make room for Yajure, the Yankees had to send down Andujar. Andujar has scuffled this season, struggling to find a position in the field and his rhythm at the plate. He has recorded just two singles and one walk in 22 plate appearances.