Yankees option German after rough outing vs. Rays

The New York Yankees optioned Domingo German to their alternate site after the right-hander allowed four runs on eight hits - including two homers - over four innings of work against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, the team announced.

German, 28, earned the final rotation spot out of camp after authoring a 1.38 ERA and 0.77 WHIP over 13 innings in spring training. Deivi Garcia seemed to be the other pitcher competing for the fifth starting spot behind Gerrit Cole, Corey Kluber, Jameson Taillon, and Jordan Montgomery.

German has struggled to a 9.00 ERA and 7.91 FIP over seven innings in two losses. Surrendering four homers this year, German has prolonged a streak of allowing at least one home run per start to 12 games dating back to July 18, 2019.

The team is expected to add right-handed pitcher Albert Abreu in a corresponding move, according to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com. It's unclear whether Abreu will get the spot in the rotation or if it will go to Jonathan Loaisiga or Luis Cessa.