The New York Yankees have begun a shakeup of their struggling starting pitching rotation, sending Freddy Garcia and his 12.51 ERA to the bullpen. Garcia (0-2) lasted just 1.2 innings on Saturday against the Detroit Tigers, the second consecutive 1.2-inning outing for the 35-year-old.

The Yankees did not make any official announcement, but Jack Curry of YES Network tweeted that rookie David Phelps (3.57 ERA in six games) will likely make a spot start when Garcia's turn comes up. That would open the door for Andy Pettitte, continuing to build arm strength in the minor leagues, to join the rotation within a couple of weeks.

The Yankees also optioned reliever Cody Eppley to the minor leagues and promoted D.J. Mitchell, a starting pitcher, to take his place. Mitchell, 24, was 2-1 with a 3.13 ERA at AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre. He went 13-9, 3.18 at Scranton in 2011.

If Phil Hughes (1-3, 7.88) in four starts does not improve it would seem obvious that Phelps or Mitchell would get an opportunity to take his place.