Yankees seeking right-handed relief help

After designating David Carpenter for assignment, the Yankees only have a pair of right-handed relief options in their bullpen but the club is looking to change that. According to Chad Jennings of The Journal News, the Yankees are in the market for right-handed relief depth.

Dellin Betances is the only Yankees reliever currently on the roster who also opened the 2014 season on the club's opening day roster. Betances and Esmil Rogers are the lone right-handed relievers in the Yankees' bullpen, and while the organization has not been bothered by the five left-handed arms in the bullpen, a desire for right-handed depth is justified.

Although the Yankees are down to a pair of right-handed arms, the squad opted to move several key arms throughout the offseason. David Robertson left via free agency, Adam Warren was slotted into the rotation, and Shawn Kelley was traded to San Diego. Despite losing key bullpen pieces, Jennings notes the club felt its bullpen would be a strength throughout the course of the offseason.

While New York's bullpen lacks right-handed pitchers, it has still been effective to this point in 2015. Betances has not allowed a run this season, Chasen Shreve has had success, and Andrew Miller has successfully converted each of his 17 save opportunities.

The Yankees relied heavily on Carpenter before designating him after watching him thrive as a setup man in Atlanta the last two seasons. He was added to pitch the seventh inning but posted a 4.82 ERA and 5.31 FIP in 18.2 innings before the Yankees opted to move on. Carpenter could be dealt to a team seeking bullpen help, such as the Marlins, who MLB.com's Joe Frisaro linked to Carpenter during the week.

Chris Martin was demoted to Triple-A and Rogers posted an ERA over seven in May. Rogers is the Yankees' long relief option who allowed five runs in his most recent outing against the Angels.

Nick Rumbelow and Diego Moreno are internal right-handed candidates the Yankees could consider and if Ivan Nova thrives and proves he is healthy, Warren could return to the bullpen. Martin, Jose Ramirez, Bryan Mitchell, and Branden Pinder may receive an opportunity but New York will also likely consider external options.

David Aardsma recently opted out of his deal with the Dodgers and Ernesto Frieri was designated for assignment by the Rays. Brian Wilson could be added at the league minimum and Rafael Soriano has yet to sign and may be an ideal late inning option for New York.

Ryan Webb, Jonathan Papelbon, Brad Ziegler, and Tyler Clippard may all be available to add via a trade, but the Yankees may not want to deal prospects for a reliever considering they have a few right-handed options in Triple-A.

New York will likely explore its internal candidates first before making a move. But if their right-handed relievers do not have success, a trade could become increasingly likely.