Calling Preston Claiborne to the Pitcher's Mound!

 The New York Yankees brought up twenty-five year-old pitcher Preston Claiborne from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last Friday to help boost the bullpen.  Claiborne is set to replace the injured Joba Chamberlain, as well as bullpen David Robertson.  Robertson has been dealing with discomfort and soreness in his left hamstring.   Relief pitcher Cody Eppley was designated for assignment in order to make room for Claiborne on the Yankees limited 40-man roster. 




  According to manager Joe Giardi, Claiborne's has a good fastball that can reach up
to 95 mph, along with a strong slider and change-up. 

  During his time in the minor leagues Claiborne had an era of 3.48, with three saves in three outings.  He's also allowed fourteen hits in 10 1/3 innings, with ten strikeouts. 

 "It's always a different animal coming from Triple-A and pitching against guys up here," Claiborne said. "Obviously I don't have the extended experience pitching at this level, but pitching in Spring Training and getting a little taste of what it's like and what veteran hitters are like, having that limited experience is definitely beneficial."

  Claiborne's first outing in the big league's was almost as perfect as they come.  He managed to retire all six batters, allowng the Yankees to come back and make it a 4-4 game.  The A's eventually broke the tie and edged out the Yankees 5-4.