Left-handed pitcher Thomas Pannone has inked a minor league contract with the Yankees and has been sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, as reported on MLB.com. Pannone was previously with the Cubs on a minor league deal, but was let go earlier this week.
At 30 years old, Pannone was part of the rotation for Triple-A Iowa before his release, posting solid numbers. It is likely that he triggered some form of opt-out clause. During his time with the Cubs, he pitched 90 2/3 innings over 19 starts, with a 4.37 ERA, a 22% strikeout rate, an 8.1% walk rate, and a 42% ground ball rate. The run-scoring environment in the International League has been tough this season, with pitchers there combining for a 4.90 ERA. Pannone’s 4.37 ERA ranks 12th out of 29 qualified pitchers in the league.
Despite a strong starting rotation at the major league level for the Yankees, injuries have thinned out their depth. With several key pitchers, including Clarke Schmidt, JT Brubaker, Cody Poteet, and Clayton Beeter, sidelined, the addition of Pannone will help fill the void. With previous MLB experience, including stints with the Blue Jays and Brewers, as well as time in the KBO with the Kia Tigers, Pannone brings a wealth of experience to the team. Should he be called up to the Yankees’ roster, he will be out of minor league options.
