Phelps Activated, Could Step Right Into High-Leverage Bullpen Role

The Yankees made a key roster move this morning, activating David Phelps from the disabled list and transferring Derek Jeter to the 60-day DL to clear a roster spot.  Phelps has been out since July 6th with a right forearm strain that took much longer to return from than expected.  Given the current situation in the Yankee bullpen, his return couldn't have come at a better time.

Joe was working with next to nothing out there last night when he finally had to pull Hirok.  Mo and D-Rob were unavailable and Boone Logan is still out with elbow problems.  No disrespect to Cesar Cabral and Preston Claiborne, but they had no business being brought into a tie game at Fenway with major playoff implications on the line.  Had Phelps been around last night, chances are he would have gotten first crack after Kuroda.

Shawn Kelley has been up and down lately in the 7th inning job, Joba is Joba, and the rest of the healthy arms are either unproven or replacement level at best, so Joe could really use another solid 1-inning option ahead of the 8th and 9th.  Phelps has experience and has had success working out of the 'pen in his short Major League career, and his rehab from the forearm strain was limited to 1 and 2-inning appearances.  He's a perfect fit for a role that desperately needs to be filled and he'll be at the top of Joe's go-to list today if he needs to get some big outs before the 8th inning.