Colten

Brewer

The 30-year-old right-hander has a deal in place with a team in Japan, so the Yankees granted his release. Brewer posted a 4.32 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and a 4/3 K/BB ratio in 8 1/3 innings with the Yankees this season.

Brewer went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment last week by the Yankees and will presumably head to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to continue serving as organizational relief depth. The 30-year-old righty has the ability to elect free agency, but it’s clear that New York would like him to stick around after acquiring him from the Rays earlier this month.

Greg Weissert will take his spot on the active roster. Brewer was acquired from the Rays at the start of the season and allowed four runs in 8 1/3 innings during his brief time with the Yanks.

Brewer saved the Yankees’ bullpen with a remarkable three-inning effort after starter Domingo Germán lasted just three frames during Monday’s series opener in Cleveland. The 30-year-old righty, who was acquired from the division-rival Rays just after Opening Day, has tossed five scoreless innings over a pair of long relief appearances so far. He’s been quite the find for New York.

Brewer was acquired from the division-rival Rays earlier this week in a small trade after failing to land a spot in Tampa Bay’s season-opening bullpen. The 30-year-old righty reliever has made 81 appearances (four starts) in the majors since 2018 between the Red Sox and Padres. He gives the Yankees some extra middle relief depth.

The move is now official. Brewer is expected to join the Yankees bullpen ahead of Friday’s second regular-season game against the Giants.

Brewer will apparently take over as the Yankees’ 13th pitcher, replacing either Estevan Florial or Franchy Cordero on the roster. Brewer failed to make the Rays this spring despite posting a 0.00 ERA and striking out 15 in 9 1/3 innings. Interestingly, he was successful even though his velocity was down throughout the month.

Hembree and Brewer are among the final cuts for the Rays as they finalize their season-opening roster. The pair of veteran relievers figure to head to Triple-A Durham as extra organizational depth.

Brewer, 30, was released by the Royals in early August after posting a 4.76 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 42/18 K/BB ratio over 39 2/3 frames at Triple-A Omaha. He’ll add bullpen depth for the Rays.

Brewer signed a minor league contract with the Royals back in January after making 81 relief appearances in the majors since 2018. The 29-year-old right-hander recorded an inflated 4.76 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 42/18 K/BB ratio across 39 2/3 innings (36 appearances) this season at Triple-A Omaha.