Yankees’ Former Starter Cut By NL Contender Shortly After Perfect Inning

The New York Yankees are enjoying some positive momentum thanks to their decision to run back virtually the same roster.

After earning a tie for the best record in the American League last season, the Yankees are at the top of the standings again in this campaign, with returning stars like Aaron Judge and Max Fried picking up where they left off.

But there are a few players who contributed to the Yankees last year who weren’t welcomed back. And one of the more notable veterans who got a look from the team has now been cut from his new major-league home.

New York Yankees’ Former Starter Carlos Carrasco Cut From Atlanta Braves Roster After Perfect Inning

“Atlanta designated (Carlos) Carrasco for assignment Wednesday,” CBS Sports reported. “He’ll give up his spot on the roster and in the bullpen to left-hander Dylan Lee (personal), who was reinstated from the paternity list.”

After being cut from the Atlanta Braves’ 40-man big-league roster, Carrasco has hit waivers and, if he goes unclaimed, he could opt to return to the organization’s minor-league affiliate. That would be a harsh fall after it seemed he could earn a lasting spot with the Yankees last year following a strong preseason showing.

The 17-year big-league veteran signed a one-year contract with the Yankees after he logged a 1.69 ERA in five spring training games. But ultimately, Carrasco made just six starts for the Yankees before being traded to the Braves for cash consideration.

Former New York Yankees Pitcher Ready To Bounce Between Majors And Minors With National League Contender

Carrasco made just three starts for the Braves last year and opened the season in the minors, though he enjoyed a strong performance during a very brief call up to the Braves this year.

“Carrasco pitched one perfect inning for Atlanta and picked up a strikeout in that spotless frame,” Steve Adams wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “If he ends up back in Gwinnett (with the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate), he’ll probably stay stretched out in the rotation there and wait for another opportunity to bring a fresh arm to the big league bullpen or perhaps make a spot start or two in the rotation, as injuries necessitate.”

The 39-year-old has a lifetime 4.22 ERA with 1,697 strikeouts in more than 1,688 big-league innings pitched. His best seasons came between 2015 and 2017 with the Cleveland Guardians, when he earned two different seasons of Cy Young Award votes and was once MLB’s wins leader.

Now as he bounces between the minors and majors for the Braves, it seems he is a far cry from that level of effectiveness. But Yankees fans will recall that he appeared to be a significant contributor, at least briefly, last year.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com