Yankees sign Oliver Perez to minor-league deal

The Yankees have signed lefty Oliver Perez to a minor-league deal, according to Marc Craig of The Athletic. Perez will make $1-million if he makes the big league roster.

Perez, 36, signed a minor-league deal over the offseason with the Reds, but was released after struggling this spring where he allowed 10 earned runs over 6 ²⁄₃ innings. However, the Yankees have scooped him up, and as a team that heavily relies on the bullpen, he could see some time in the Bronx this season.

Currently, the Yankees left-handed specialist is Chasen Shreve, and he had an inconsistent 2017 season. As for Perez, he has owned lefties over the course of his career holding them to a .228/.318/.365 line. In the event that Shreve struggles, Perez could be the first man called to take his spot in the bullpen.

For now, Perez will report to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to get some innings and prove that he is capable of playing in the big leagues. However, it may not be too long before he gets promoted to New York.