Colon, like Garcia, has an out
Bartolo Colon’s outstanding six-inning outing against the Rays on Monday night probably assured him of at least a spot in the Yankees bullpen.
Colon, like fellow right-hander Freddy Garcia, can request his release if he is not added to the major-league roster next week, according to a major-league source.
Garcia’s opt-out date is March 29, two days before the Yankees open their season against the Tigers. Colon’s date is believed to be March 31 — and based on his performance this spring, another team almost certainly would want him.
Another Yankees righty, Sergio Mitre, is out of minor-league options; the team will risk losing him as well if they attempt to send him to the minors.
Perhaps the only way for the Yankees to keep Garcia, Colon and Mitre would be to demote right-hander Ivan Nova. But Nova, with a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings in Grapefruit League play, seemingly has earned a place on the team.
Garcia, who rarely pitches well in the spring, has a 5.93 ERA in 13 2/3 innings. Colon has a 2.40 ERA in 15 innings, Mitre a 2.25 ERA in eight innings.
— Ken Rosenthal
