Chris Capuano’s crossover will become official Saturday when the former Boston Red Sox pitcher starts for the New York Yankees against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.
Capuano, who was released by the Red Sox on July 1 after being designated for assignment, was acquired by the Yankees from the Colorado Rockies on Thursday in exchange for cash considerations. He will join the Yankees’ rotation and Chase Whitley will shift to the bullpen, according to New York manager Joe Girardi.
Capuano signed with the Red Sox during spring training after Boston learned Ryan Dempster would not pitch in 2014. The left-hander has started for much of his career, though the Red Sox used the 35-year-old exclusively as a reliever before releasing him amid a roster crunch.
Capuano made four starts between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Colorado Springs after signing with the Rockies less than a week after being released by the Red Sox. He didn’t appear in a single major league game before being shipped to the Yankees.
Capuano began the 2014 season with a 15-inning scoreless streak but struggled mightily toward the end of his short Boston tenure. The veteran southpaw posted a 4.55 ERA (16 earned runs in 31 2/3 innings) over 28 appearances with the Red Sox.
The Yankees optioned right-hander Chris Leroux back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room for Capuano on the active roster.
