Yankees make 2 roster moves prior to Brewers game

The New York Yankees are trying to hang around in the playoff race. Although the odds of New York reaching the postseason are slim, the team isn't giving up. The Yankees made two key roster moves ahead of a pivotal weekend three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers Friday. New York promoted LHP Nick Ramirez to the big league club and placed RHP Albert Abreu on the 15-day IL with a right hamstring strain, the team announced.

Ramirez, 34, will add bullpen depth to the pitching staff. He's been in MLB since 2019 but missed all of the 2022 season. Ramirez returned in 2023 with the Yankees, and has recorded a stellar 2.67 ERA across 26 appearances. Perhaps he can play a major role in the bullpen down the stretch.

Abreu, 27, began his career with the Yankees in 2020. He ended up on the Texas Rangers and Kanas City Royals in 2022 before later returning to New York. So far in 2023, Abreu owns a 4.73 ERA in 45 games. Although his numbers are far from ideal, his presence will be missed in the bullpen.

Yankees holding onto playoff hopes

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The Yankees are holding onto their playoff hopes. The odds are stacked against them though. It would require a miracle for New York to win the AL East. They are 18.5 games back and are in last place. Their only real shot of reaching the postseason is to clinch an AL Wild Card berth. That said, the Yankees currently sit seven games back of the final wild card spot.

They have won eight of their past 10 games though. They will need to stay hot throughout the remainder of the season in order to shock the American League and earn a playoff berth.

First pitch for the Yankees-Brewers Friday contest is scheduled for 7:05 PM EST at Yankee Stadium.