Breaking news: The Yankees trade an outstanding pitcher to the Brewers.
In an attempt to strengthen their bullpen, the Milwaukee Brewers paid the New York Yankees money in return for a relief pitcher.
Halfway through the second full month of the season, the Milwaukee Brewers are mired in the center of the National League Central division. The Brewers are off to a sluggish start after winning at least 90 games in three of the previous four seasons. Milwaukee struck another agreement with New York on Friday after sending reliever Devin Williams to the New York Yankees.
According to the team’s social media website, the Brewers paid the Yankees money in return for bullpen pitcher Rob Zastryzny. After throwing in nine games during the previous season, Zastryzny is back in Pat Murphy’s bullpen. As Milwaukee looks to get back into the game, he helps to strengthen the bullpen behind Tyler Megill.
Despite not playing in the major leagues from 2018 to 2022, the 33-year-old has seven years of Major League Baseball experience. When Murphy wants to use the bullpen, the righty gives him another seasoned option.
After being claimed by the Chicago Cubs in 2024, Zastryzny agreed to a minor league contract with the Yankees. After choosing free agency, he was finally taken by New York. The Yankees get some cash out of the transaction that they can spend elsewhere.
Milwaukee leaves with the hope that their new reliever won’t disappoint them the way Williams has let the Yankees down.
If the Brewers call up Zastryzny to the major leagues at all, it will be interesting to watch how they employ him in their plan. Aside from 2023, he has never thrown in more than ten games during his career.
Murphy expects Zastryzny will be prepared to assist Megill when he joins his club. Although the Brewers’ best relievers are doing well, things get ugly behind Nick Mears and Abner Uribe. Both Jared Koenig and Grant Anderson have ERAs that are very high.
Zastryzny has demonstrated his ability as a pitcher despite having a short career sample size. Milwaukee is hoping he can combine the volume of 2023 with the caliber of his 2024 season.
