New York Yankees Acquire Chad Qualls from Philadelphia Phillies

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This article was written by Dan Benton via Feed Crossing.

The New York Yankees have acquired reliever Chad Qualls from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Qualls, 33, was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Thursday after posting a 4.60 ERA in 35 appearances this season.

To make room for Qualls on the 40-man roster, the Yankees have designated infielder Matt Antonelli for assignment. Antonelli was acquired by the Yankees in May after being placed on waivers by the Baltimore Orioles, but hasn’t played in the majors this season.

Qualls gives the Yankees another bullpen option, as long reliever Freddy Garcia has been moved back to the starting rotation because of injuries to starters C.C. Sabathia and Andy Pettitte. Cory Wade has also struggled lately, giving up 10 runs in his last three innings pitched, so the Yankees could use some extra depth.

The veteran right-hander has a 39-35 record with a 3.82 ERA and 51 saves in his career, showing he is capable of filling many different relief roles.

“He’s kind of a guy that can get up to 95 mph, somewhat of a power guy, a sinker guy,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of Qualls. “Very tough on right-handers.”

Qualls may not be the only veteran joining New York’s bullpen this summer. David Aardsma and Joba Chamberlain, both recovering from Tommy John surgery, could possibly return to action later this summer before the season is over.

Aardsma missed the entire 2011 season, but saved 69 games during the 2009 and 2010 seasons with the Seattle Mariners. Chamberlain had a 2.83 ERA in 27 games last year for the Yankees before getting injured.

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