Chien-Ming Wang to remain in Yankees organization

Right-handed pitcher Chien-Ming Wang will not exercise the opt-out clause in his minor league contract with the New York Yankees today, according to a source close to the situation. Wang, who signed the deal with the Bronx Bombers in March after a strong World Baseball Classic performance, has remaining opt-out dates on June 30th, August 10th, and August 30th, and will remain with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre until a major league opportunity presents itself. It is unknown if the Yankees would be willing to let Wang pursue a major league opportunity by granting his release between now and June 30th, when he can decide for himself.

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, six teams are interested in Wang, but none are willing to offer him a major league deal. A source confirmed to MLBDailyDish.com that Wang "will stay in the Yankees organization unless he has a major league opportunity from a major league team, and will continue to focus on doing his best every five days in Scranton's rotation while waiting for the right major league opportunity."

While the six teams are unknown, Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reported Thursday that the Orioles have "kept tabs" on Wang, and have scouted his scouts in Scranton. While the team does not seem too interested, they are keeping an eye on Wang in case of injuries or struggles in the major league rotation. According to Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500 in Minnesota, the Twins are not among the teams interested in Wang. Both National League and American League teams have interest, according to the source.

Wang has pitched well for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre so far this season, posting a 3-4 record and 2.65 ERA in 51 innings of work over eight starts. According to the source, he is "determined to make a comeback to the major leagues and has overcome a lot of adversity."

"Starting with his World Baseball Classic in March for Taiwan and continuing with his time in Scranton, Wang has shown consistent performance as a veteran starter who knows how to win," the source said.

After pitching for the Yankees from 2005-2009, Wang signed with the Washington Nationals in November 2010 and spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons in the nation's capital. In 2012, he appeared in only ten games (five starts), going 2-3 with a 6.68 ERA.

In 130 games over seven seasons with the Yankees (2005-2009) and Nationals (2011-2012), Wang has a 61-32 record and 4.26 career ERA in the majors.