Yankees Layoff Lefty Myers

The Yankees designated lefty reliever Mike Myers for assignment after the game last night in an effort to improve their struggling bullpen according to the NY Daily News.

The 38-year old side winder is in the final year of a two-year $2.4 million contract. He appeared in 55 games this year and had a bullpen best ERA of 2.66, but because lefties are hitting .312 off him this season and he is supposedly the lefty specialist he was let go.

"I was a little taken back by the move," Myers said to the Daily News last night. "I know I wasn't doing the job they brought me here to do, so I don't have any hard feelings."

Myers’ replacement wasn’t immediately announced but according to Newsday Jim Brower, who played last season for the Padres before being sent to Baltimore, is being brought up. Brower has been playing for triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre as the closer. In 35 appearances he has an ERA of 1.65 40 strikeouts and 11 walks with 20 saves.

A move to bring up Edwar Ramirez (0.79 ERA) or Joba Chamberlain (8 K’s in last 3 innings) would make more sense, but the Yankees are likely going with Brower because of his experience. Brower has played for seven teams and has made 351 big league appearances since 1999.

Last season he compiled an ERA of 12.15 in 18 appearances so it is possible and perhaps likely that Joba Chamberlain could still get a call-up this week.

Another player who could be back on the Yankees is Jason Giambi who is 1-for-9 in Scranton but has 6 walks. He has traveled with the team to Toronto but there is no word on when he will be activated.

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