With Zach Britton and David Robertson free agents out of the bullpen, the Yankees have checked in on 30-year-old lefty Aaron Loup, according to an industry source. Loup split last season between Toronto and Philadelphia and finished with a career-worst 1.563 WHIP in a disappointing season in which he made 59 appearances.
Most of Loup’s problems came against right-handed hitters, who had a .935 OPS against Loup in 2018. But he kept lefties to a .678 OPS, not far above his career mark of .618.
The Yankees are looking for multiple arms in their bullpen, which they haven’t addressed yet after adding James Paxton to the rotation and bringing back CC Sabathia and J.A. Happ.
Right-hander Adam Ottavino and former Yankees lefty Andrew Miller are other potential free-agent options to bolster the relief corps.
Happ’s two-year deal with a vesting option for a third was officially announced by the Yankees on Monday.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated right-hander Parker Bridwell for assignment. Bridwell was claimed off waivers by the Yankees from the Angels last month.