Duane

Underwood Jr.

Underwood had pitched exclusively in Triple-A this year, amassing a 3.26 ERA in 38 2/3 innings. He had a 4.63 ERA in 190 2/3 innings as a major leaguer with the Cubs and Pirates from 2018-23.

Both Underwood and VanMeter were in Yankees camp this spring as non-roster invitees. Underwood latched on with New York back in December as one of the top minor league free agents on the open market with 144 big-league appearances on his resume since 2018.

Underwood Jr. was among the premier minor league free agents out there this offseason given his considerable experience as a reliable big league reliever. The 29-year-old right-hander posted an underwhelming 5.18 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 14/11 K/BB ratio across 24 1/3 innings (20 appearances) this past season for the Pirates. He’s made 144 career appearances in the majors since 2018. He’ll compete this upcoming spring for a spot in the Yankees’ season-opening bullpen.

Underwood accepted the outright assignment after clearing waivers. The 28-year-old holds a 5.18 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 14/11 K/BB ratio across 24 1/3 innings (20 appearances) with the Pirates this season and will remain with the organization as depth.

The decision to jettison Underwood Jr. seems to signal that the Pirates believe either Luis Ortiz or Roansy Contreras can excel in a relief role with Vince Velasquez back in the starting rotation mix. The 28-year-old righty figures to draw some interest on waivers after posting a 5.18 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 14/11 K/BB ratio across 24 1/3 innings (20 appearances) this season. He’s made 144 appearances in the majors since 2018.

Underwood Jr. figures to land on the injured list prior to Saturday’s game and could be facing an extended absence. The 28-year-old right-hander has struggled this season from a run-prevention standpoint, but has been a reliable innings-eater out of the Pirates’ bullpen.

David Bednar, Colin Holderman and Robert Stephenson were all unavailable tonight after pitching the previous two days, so Underwood took over with a 2-1 lead in the eighth and was allowed to finish the game. It’s his second save of the year, but he’d still seem to be behind at least Holderman as the primary fallback to Bednar.

Colin Holderman probably would be the primary fallback to Bednar right now, but he, like Bednar, had worked each of the previous two days. Underwood got the call over Wil Crowe and faced the minimum, with the single he allowed being erased by a double play. it’s his second career save.

Underwood Jr. reached arbitration for the first time this offseason and will continue to pitch in middle relief for the Pirates. The 28-year-old right-hander made a career-high 51 appearances last season for Pittsburgh.

Wil Crowe worked a two-inning save on Monday and Chase De Jong was the first reliever out of the bullpen in the sixth inning. That meant the ninth falling to Underwood, who pitched around a walk for a scoreless frame.