Chad Green has reached the end of his leash. The Yankees optioned Green to Triple-A Scranton this afternoon, the team announced. Stephen Tarpley was called up in a corresponding move. Also, Gary Sanchez was activated off the injured list and Kyle Higashioka was sent down, as expected.
Last night Green loaded the bases with no outs and allowed a grand slam to Justin Bour. He’s been tagged for 14 runs and four homers in 7.2 innings this season, matching his 2017 totals in 61.1 fewer innings. Green has a 16.43 ERA (10.03 FIP) and opponents are hitting .395/.465/.763 against him.
“Just frustrated,” Green told Kristie Ackert following last night’s game. “I feel good. Everybody goes through a point where they battle mechanics a little bit, but we’re at a point where we have to fight through that and still perform to get guys out. I’m not doing that.”
Aaron Boone indicated the Yankees were not ready to send Green down after last night’s game — “We’ll keep working at it and try and come alongside him and figure it out together,” he told Ackert — though these decisions get made above the manager’s head. Clearly, something had to be done.
If you’re curious, Green needs to spend 63 days in the minors to delay his free agency, though I would not worry about that at all. Once he gets things straightened out and is ready to help, call him right back up. How long will it take to get right? I have no idea. Hopefully it happens quick.
Tommy Kahnle and Luis Cessa jumped Green in the bullpen pecking order recently, so I imagine they’ll see some higher leverage work going forward, especially Kahnle. Tarpley was on the Opening Day roster but barely used earlier this year. He’s more of a lower leverage option.