The New York Yankees made their first roster move of spring training on Wednesday, acquiring right-handed pitcher Shawn Kelley from the Seattle Mariners for minor league outfielder Abraham Almonte.
Kelley, 28, went 2-4 and posted a 3.25 ERA in 47 appearances over three stints with the Mariners in 2012, averaging more than one strikeout per inning. Additionally, he made 14 appearances for Triple-A Tacoma, going 2-0 with 6 saves and a 0.90 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched. The 28-year-old has pitched for the Mariners in parts of four major league seasons, sporting a 10-9 record and a 3.52 career ERA. Kelley sports a fastball and a slider, with his velocity typically sitting around 92 MPH. However, he is a fly ball pitcher, which could pose a problem in Yankee Stadium.
Almonte, 23, spent the 2012 season with Double-A Trenton, producing a .276/.350/.392 batting line while stealing 30 bases in 35 attempts. He was named as an Eastern League midseason All-Star. Almonte has played most of his minor league career in center field, though does have a little bit of experience in the outfield corners.
In a corresponding roster move, 3B Alex Rodriguez has been placed on the 60-day disabled list.
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