The Yankees made official a move that was reported two weeks ago to the date, announcing Wednesday the signing of former Atlanta Braves RHP Darren O’Dayon a one-year contract.
O’ what a Day ? @DODay56 pic.twitter.com/m0jkpbCn8B
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) February 10, 2021
In a corresponding move to make room on the 40-man roster, New York designated RHP Ben Heller for assignment.
O’Day has a player option for 2022, the Yankees added. If O’Day declines, there is a club option, the Yankees said.
The Yankees have signed RHP Darren O’Day to a one-year contract extending through the 2021 season with a player option for 2022. If the player option is declined, there is a club option for 2022.
To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Ben Heller was designated for assignment.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) February 10, 2021
While a salary was not included, the New York Post’s Joel Sherman reported Jan. 27 that O’Day would earn $1.75 million in 2021.
As a 13-year veteran from 2008-20 with the Los Angeles Angels (2008), Mets (2009), Texas Rangers (2009-11), Baltimore Orioles (2012-18) and Braves (2019-20), O’Day is 40-19 in 604 regular-season appearances. Through 576 2/3 career innings pitched, O’Day — a 2015 All-Star selection with the Orioles — has posted a 2.51 ERA with 21 saves.
Heller, 29, is 2-0 in 31 career regular-season appearances and a 2.59 ERA with the Yankees from 2016-20. He logged six games in 2020, his fifth year, allowing five runs (two earned) on five hits (two home runs) while striking out six and hitting two batters through six innings.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].