The New York Yankees claimed former New York Mets reliever Ryota Igarashi off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, and assigned the veteran right-hander to AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Igarashi, 33, did not pitch well in his two seasons with the Mets. In 2010 he pitched to a 7.12 ERA in 34 games. In 45 games last season he had a 4.66 ERA. In two big-league appearances this season for the Blue Jays he had an ERA of 36.00, surrendering four runs in one inning of work.
Igarashi has a career ERA of 6.17 in 81 games.
The Yankees most likely are looking to replenish some depth in their minor-league system. Injuries to Mariano Rivera and David Robertson have forced New York to dip into its farm system for relief help, with veteran right-hander Cody Eppley being the most recent callup.
— See Pinstripe Alley for more discussion and analysis of the Yankees.