Edwar

Ramirez

Ramirez posted a 4.50 ERA and 9/8 K/BB ratio in six relief appearances before being sent to the minors on April 27. The 29-year-old right-hander had allowed three runs over four innings (6.75 ERA) with the River Cats.

The move cleared a spot on the 40-man roster for Jack Cust, who will join the team Saturday after putting on a power display down on the farm. Ramirez, 29, had a 4.91 ERA and 1.73 WHIP for the A’s this season.

Ramirez was designated for assignment last Saturday. The 29-year-old right-hander posted a 4.91 ERA and 10/10 K/BB ratio over 11 innings with the big club. He’ll continue to work on his command in the minors.

As much as Chris Britton deserves a legitimate shot, perhaps Ramirez should be the next reliever called up by the Yankees. He’s allowed 19 hits, walked 17 and struck out 74 in 40 1/3 innings between Double- and Triple-A this season. Perhaps the 26-year-old’s lack of command would be a problem in the majors, but the Yankees have little to lose by trying him in middle relief.

The 26-year-old Ramirez will make his major league debut after putting up some ridiculous minor league numbers. He had a 0.62 ERA, 80 strikeouts and a .128 average against in 43 1/3 innings between Double- and Triple-A. We’re not sure what to expect from him -- his stuff isn’t overwhelming, yet he has a good changeup -- but it was definitely time for him to get an opportunity.

Joba Chamberlain could be up as soon as this weekend, but he’ll make a couple of more Triple-A appearances first. We thought Chris Britton would have been ahead of Ramirez in line for a chance after what Ramirez did earlier this month, but that’s clearly not the case.

Maybe Ramirez isn’t good enough to succeed, but the Yankees hardly gave him a chance. He went 13 days without pitching before the miserable outing Friday against the Devil Rays. It’d be nice if he received a real opportunity later on, but Chris Britton is even more deserving.

Ramirez pitched just three times in three weeks during his first stint with the Yankees last month. More frequent usage this time could help his command, but he still doesn’t figure to get much work in close games right away.

Ramirez’s 5.19 ERA in 15 games was bad enough, but it was the 15 walks in 17 2/3 innings that sealed his fate. “Too many walks,” Ramirez said. “I feel like something’s wrong. It’s probably better for me.”

As a result of Nick Swisher’s injury, it looks like the Yankees will add Miranda and send down a reliever, perhaps Edwar Ramirez. Unfortunately for Miranda, he’s not an option in the outfield and neither is Hideki Matsui, leaving him with little to do.