Boone

Logan

Logan gets dropped instead of Agustin Montero. Actually, it’d make since for the White Sox to demote both and make Javier Lopez the second lefty in the pen. Logan wasn’t up to making the jump from A ball to the majors. He had a 5.68 ERA and a 2.13 WHIP in 12 2/3 innings. Left-handed hitters batted .429 against him.

The spring sensation is finally back. Logan had a 5.68 ERA and a 2.13 WHIP in 12 2/3 innings before being sent down in May. He was at 3.38 in Triple-A and he had a 57/12 K/BB ratio in 42 2/3 innings, so he might be ready to help as a specialist now.

In other words, Boone Logan will be the lone left-hander out of the bullpen. Valdes will be sent to Tampa in order to stay sharp and could be used if the Yankees face the lefty-heavy Rangers in the ALCS.

A look at the open market shows a number of viable left-handed relief options, highlighted by Jeremy Affeldt ($5 million club option with $500K buyout), George Sherrill, Javier Lopez, and Hideki Okajima. Top starters include C.J. Wilson, Hiroki Kuroda, Edwin Jackson, Erik Bedard, and Mark Buehrle.

Logan underwent an MRI on his back Wednesday, which came back negative, so he should be fine as long as he doesn’t have a setback. The 27-year-old southpaw posted a 3.48 ERA and 46/13 K/BB ratio over 41 2/3 innings in 2011.

Logan skipped a scheduled bullpen session late last week due to stiffness in his neck. But it was never a major concern, and he’s now back on the right track.

Good news. Logan went for the exam after coming down with back spasms, but there’s a good chance he’ll be on the Opening Day roster if his symptoms improve over the next two days. The 27-year-old southpaw posted a 3.48 ERA and 46/13 K/BB ratio over 41 2/3 innings in 2011.

The severity of the issue isn’t yet known. However, the situation could convince Yankees manager Joe Girardi that carrying Clay Rapada as a second left-hander out of the bullpen is the way to go.

The Yankees haven’t provided any details about the exact nature or the severity of the injury, but that he’s being sent for an MRI suggests that there’s at least some concern. Clay Rapada’s chances of making the Opening Day roster just went up.

It’s not a major concern and Logan could still pitch Sunday. The 27-year-old is expected to serve as the Yanks’ primary left-handed specialist again this season after posting a 3.48 ERA and 46/13 K/BB ratio over 41 2/3 innings in 2011.