Before Game 2 of today’s doubleheader, the Yankees signed right-hander Alexander Cornielle to a major league deal and selected his contract, per a team announcement. When Cornielle gets into a game, it’ll be his MLB debut. He’ll replace righty Brendan Beck in the bullpen. Reliever Fernando Cruz was moved to the 60-day IL to clear a 40-man roster spot.
Beck started Game 1 this afternoon. He was tagged for seven earned runs over five innings. Cornielle will be an option to cover multiple innings behind Ryan Yarbrough in the nightcap. New York is locked into the top AL Wild Card spot and will look to get through the final two games of the season without leaning on pitchers who will contribute in the postseason.
Cornielle was signed by the Brewers as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2019. He’d spent his entire pro career in Milwaukee until this season. Cornielle topped out at Triple-A with the organization. He hit minor league free agency over the winter and inked a deal with the Yankees. The righty will get his first look in the majors in the final weekend of the season.
The 25-year-old Cornielle pitched well across three minor league levels this season. He compiled a 3.39 ERA with more than a strikeout per inning in 21 appearances (20 starts). Cornielle posted a hefty 13% walk rate this season, but a 0.85 home runs per nine innings mark helped limit the damage of the extra baserunners.
Cornielle sits in the low-90s with his four-seamer and sinker. He has a mid-80s cutter. Cornielle’s breaking ball is a sweeper that averages about 81 mph. The arsenal helped him post a strong 12.1% swinging-strike rate this season.
The 60-day IL placement ends Cruz’s comeback attempt. He was trying to pitch through a partially torn UCL. Cruz hit the 15-day IL in late August with what was initially deemed right elbow discomfort. Imaging eventually revealed the partial tear. His attempt to make it back for the postseason was a long shot. Surgery is on the table this offseason.
Beck wraps up his first taste of the majors with an ugly 9.95 ERA over four appearances. He struggled to keep the ball in the yard, permitting six home runs in just 12 2/3 innings. Pete Alonso took him deep to start the scoring this afternoon. Dylan Beavers delivered the decisive blow with a grand slam in the fourth inning. Beck had a strong showing at Triple-A this year. He’ll be a depth option in 2027.
Photo courtesy of Dan Powers, Imagn Images
