The Yankees have designated lefty for a signment, per a team announcement. His spot on the 40-man roster will go to fellow lefty , whose contract is being selected from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Manager Aaron Boone Chimezie Metu Jersey announced not long ago that but didnt divulge a corresponding move. Its a somewhat surprising DFA, given Ramirezs solid performance in 2023 and strong spring showing. The 34-year-old logged 40 2/3 innings out of Boones bullpen last year and recorded a 2.66 ERA. His 16.3% strikeout rate was well shy of the league average, but Ramirezs 5.2% walk rate was outstanding and his 47.4% grounder rate was sharp as well. This spring, he pitched 10 1/3 innings and allowed five runs on nine hits and a walk with nine strikeouts and a huge 62% ground-ball rate. Ramirez didnt make the Opening Day roster with the Yankees, however, and it seems that for the time being anyhow, they prefer to turn to Tully to add some length in the bullpen rather than the more straightforward move to recall Ramirez. In doing so, theyll now have a week to trade Ramirez, attempt to pa s him through outright waivers or release him. Hes been outrighted previously in his career, so hed be able to reject an outright a signment even if he clears waivers. In parts of four big league seasons between the Tigers, Padres and Yankees, Ramirez has tallied 151 1/3 innings with a 4.04 ERA and fielding-independent marks that more or le s support that level of performance (4.15 FIP, 4.33 SIERA). He doesnt throw hard, sitting 90-91 with his fastball, and his 19.3% strikeout rate is below par. But Ramirez has solid control and ground-ball tendencies, just as he showed in 2023, and has virtually no platoon split. Ramirez is in his final minor league option year and has four years of club control remaining. DeMar DeRozan Jersey