MIAMI — While the Yankees addressed their lineup by adding a pair of big bats, they made a smaller move to at least add some depth to their rotation, trading for Angels left-hander Andrew Heaney before Friday’s deadline in exchange for a pair of minor league pitchers.
Manager Aaron Boone said Heaney would be in the rotation, perhaps replacing Nestor Cortes Jr., whom the Yankees could use in a variety of roles.
Heaney has an unsightly 5.27 ERA this season, but Boone pointed to the fact he has 113 strikeouts in 94 innings this season.
The 30-year-old Heaney was acquired in exchange for right-handers Janson Junk and Elvis Peguero.
“At this time of year, making sure you have depth, you’ve got to make sure you’re covered,” Boone said.
For now, Heaney will provide a bridge until the anticipated return of Luis Severino from Tommy John surgery, which has been delayed by a strained groin. Severino is expected to make a rehab start in the coming days and could come up to the majors before he’s fully built up.
Corey Kluber — out since May with a strained shoulder — is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Saturday as the Yankees shoot for a September return by the 35-year old.
DJ LeMahieu and Gio Urshela were both held out of Friday’s lineup with injuries — but both ended up playing.
Boone said LeMahieu was dealing with a strained triceps that he played through in Thursday’s loss at Tampa Bay, despite some soreness. LeMahieu entered Friday’s game when Gleyber Torres was ejected in the top of the seventh.
“That can’t happen,’’ Boone said of Torres’ ejection with two infielders out.
Urshela has a tight hamstring, but it was better Friday. He pinch-hit in the pitcher’s spot in the eighth and singled. He was immediately removed for a pinch-runner, Cortes. Boone said he would have used Brett Gardner if it had been the tying or go-ahead run.
Cashman said he pursued moves for a center fielder, but couldn’t come up with a match.
Aaron Judge started in center Friday, with Giancarlo Stanton finally making his long-awaited reappearance in left field at a National League park.
It was Stanton’s first time in the outfield since 2019. Stanton was fine in left, but his slump continued, as he went 0-for-3 with a strikeout before being removed in a double-switch in the sixth.
Boone said Stanton looked “really comfortable” and “moved well … it’s a little bit like riding a bike out there.”
General manager Brian Cashman said Gardner would continue to get a lot of playing time in center, while Joey Gallo can play all three outfield spots, as well as first base.
To make room on the roster, Ryan LaMarre was designated for assignment and right-hander Albert Abreu — after allowing six runs without retiring a runner against the Rays on Thursday — was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Gallo became the first Yankee since Alex Rodriguez retired in 2016 to wear No. 13.
“I walked in there and I’ve been that number for my whole life, essentially,’’ Gallo said. “So it’s pretty cool that number was available to wear here.”
Gallo said he was a “huge Yankee fan” growing up and always wanted to be No. 2 because of Derek Jeter.
“I liked Alex Rodriguez, as well,” Gallo said. “He was a player I tried to emulate: I played third base and hit home runs. No. 2 was always taken on every team, so I picked 13 probably when I was 10 years old and that’s been my number. … I kind of fell in love with that number.”
Rizzo wore 44 with the Cubs, which is retired in The Bronx in honor of Reggie Jackson. He picked 48.
“It’s slim pickings here, for good reason,’’ Rizzo said of available numbers