The Yankees are on the board, though not in a big way.
Shortly before Tuesday’s 6 p.m. trade deadline, the Yankees joined the frenzy and acquired reliever Keynan Middleton from the White Sox for minor league right-hander Juan Carela, the team announced.
The team also picked up Spencer Howard in a trade with the Rangers for cash considerations.
Middleton is a right-hander who will be a free agent after this season.
He had a 3.96 ERA in 36 ⅓ innings this season with 47 strikeouts and 16 walks.
Before adding Middleton, the Yankees had been the only team in the majors not to make a trade since July 1.
Stuck in last place of the AL East and 3 ½ games back of the final wild-card slot, they were in a precarious spot for their front office approaching the deadline.
The 29-year-old Middleton should bolster a Yankees bullpen that was the best in the majors through the first three months of the season before coming back down to earth a bit in July.
The Yankees are currently carrying a seven-man bullpen after optioning Ron Marinaccio to Triple-A on Monday to make room for Jhony Brito, who was needed for spot start in place of Domingo German.