Veteran Pitcher Opens Up After Leaving Red Sox, Joining Yankees

Adam Ottavino went from one old friend to another early in his 15th MLB season.

Ottavino, who pitched the 2021 campaign in Boston, found another opportunity with the Red Sox in late February when he signed a minor-league deal. But when the right-hander didn’t crack Alex Cora’s Opening Day roster, he opted for free agency instead of waiting for an opportunity in Boston’s farm system.

The 39-year-old proved to play his cards correctly, as he signed a major league deal with the Yankees on Tuesday. The pact marked another reunion for Ottavino, who pitched the 2019 and 2020 seasons in New York.

“I felt like I was kind in a little bit of no man’s land for the last week or so, but it all came together pretty quickly,” Ottavino told reporters Tuesday, per the Associated Press. “Obviously I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m very lucky for it.”

Aaron Boone wasted no time ingratiating Ottavino, who pitched 2/3 of an inning in the Yankees’ 7-5 home loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The veteran reliever didn’t allow a hit while striking out one and walking one.