Rogers Media uses cookies for personalization, to customize its online advertisements, and for other purposes. Learn more or change your cookie preferences. Rogers Media supports the Digital Advertising Alliance principles. By continuing to use our service, you agree to our use of cookies.
We use cookies (why?) You can change cookie preferences. Continued site use signifies consent.
The surgery is something of a surprise, as Heller's reported ailment was bone spurs, rather than a sprained UCL. Dr. Christopher Ahmad apparently performed Tommy John surgery and also removed a bone spur in one procedure. The typical Tommy John recovery timeline would see Heller able to return to game action sometime in the middle of the 2019 season. He was on the outside looking in this spring in the battle for the Yankees' final bullpen spot, so he's likely to end up at the Triple-A level once he's able to pitch again.
Heller (elbow) was moved to the 60-day disabled list Tuesday.
Impact
Moving Heller to the 60-day DL made room on the 40-man roster for Trayce Thompson, who was claimed off waivers from the Dodgers on Tuesday. Heller is currently dealing with a bone spur in his right elbow, but will join Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's bullpen once he returns to full health.
Heller was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right elbow bone spur Monday.
Impact
The disabled list assignment is retroactive to March 27, meaning that Heller could return as soon as Friday, though there haven't been any indications how long he'll need to recover. The 26-year-old had been set to open the year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, so it's likely he ends up there once he's able to return from the disabled list.
Heller was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday.
Impact
Heller was fighting for a low-leverage relief role on the Yankees' Opening Day roster, but it turns out there simply wasn't enough room in the team's already stacked bullpen. The 26-year-old doesn't have much left to prove in the upper minors, as evidenced by his 2.88 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 13.1 K/9 across 56.1 innings with the RailRiders last season, so he'll likely be shuttled from the minors to the big club when additional relief help is needed.
Heller could make the Opening Day roster if the Yankees decide to use an eight-man bullpen, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.
Impact
Heller appeared in nine games for the Yankees last season, allowing just one run in 11 innings. The 26-year-old righty is probably big-league ready, as he recorded a 2.88 ERA in 56.1 games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilked-Barre last season, striking out 36.8 percent of batters. New York's bullpen is one of the deepest in the league, however, and doesn't have room for him unless expanded to eight men. Even if he does make the team, Heller is likely to be very deep on the closer depth chart and therefore not much of an asset in most leagues.
Heller was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday.
Impact
The 26-year-old righty has late-inning stuff, but he won't get such an opportunity in the loaded Yankees bullpen. He posted a 2.88 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 82 strikeouts in 56.1 innings at Triple-A.
Heller was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday.
Impact
Heller was excellent in his relief appearance Saturday, tossing two scoreless innings and striking out three batters. However, with the Yankees in need of fresh arms out of the bullpen following the 16-inning affair, Heller and Jonathan Holder will head back to the minors while Bryan MItchell, Domingo German and Caleb Smith join the big club to provide relief reinforcements during Sunday's doubleheader.
Heller will make the trip to the big leagues for the second time this season after tossing one-third of an inning in his first stint. The right-handed reliever has a 2.68 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP over 37 innings in Triple-A this season and will likely be used in low-leverage situations while the Yankees have room on their roster for him. Jordan Montgomery, who was sent down to Triple-A in a corresponding move, will presumably be recalled when the need for a fifth starter arises June 17.
Heller was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday.
Impact
Heller will head back to the minors after making just one appearance for the Yankees; he recorded one out while allowing a walk and a hit. He'll stick with the RailRiders, with whom he owns a 2.60 ERA and 35:11 K:BB through 27.2 innings this season, until the Yankees need further bullpen help. Ronald Herrera was recalled to take his place in the bullpen.
Heller will be recalled prior to Monday's game against the Angels.
Impact
The Yankees had called up Domingo German for long-relief help Sunday. He delivered 2.2 solid innings, but the team needs fresh arms, and Heller provides just that. In 27.2 innings at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the 25-year-old has a 2.60 ERA and a 35:11 K:BB.
2013: R22
