Boston, MA (My Sportsbook) - The New York Yankees have recalled pitcher Jose Contreras from Triple-A Columbus. The Cuban righthander was sent down to work on mechanics and confidence after struggling early in the season with the Yankees. He pitched Tuesday in the second of a three-game series against the Red Sox and showed signs of improvement before struggling again and taking the loss in a 10-7 Boston victory. Contreras took over for Yankee starter Jeff Weaver in the sixth inning and escaped a two-on, none-out jam. He got Jason Varitek to hit into a double play and struck out Johnny Damon to preserve a 6-5 lead. Boston then roughed him up for five runs in the seventh, as Contreras retired just one batter before leaving the contest. His earned run average jumped from 10.80 to 15.63. Contreras appeared in five games for New York in April and allowed six runs on 11 hits with six walks and seven strikeouts in five innings, but did post a win in his only decision. The Yankees sent Contreras to their minor league complex in Tampa to work with instructor Billy Connors, then sent him to Triple-A. He was 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA with 18 strikeouts and two walks in three games with Columbus. Contreras signed a four-year, $32 million dollar contract with the Yankees after starring in Cuba. The 31-year-old was 117-50 with a 2.82 ERA in Cuban League play. The Yankees opened a roster spot by optioning righthander Al Reyes to Columbus. Reyes had no record and a 3.38 ERA in eight innings over five games with New York. |
