The New York Yankees made an unexpected and somewhat head-scratching move this week, releasing right-hander JT Brubaker outright.

Brubaker had quietly given the Yankees a stable presence out of the bullpen, posting a 3.38 ERA over 16 innings.

While he wasn’t overpowering, Brubaker offered something increasingly rare in modern bullpens: flexibility, reliability, and an ability to eat innings.

Still, with Mark Leiter Jr. and Yerry De Los Santos returning from the injured list this week, roster pressure forced the Yankees’ hand, and he was designated for assignment a couple of days ago.

There was an assumption Brubaker would either be claimed or stashed at Triple-A Scranton, ready as bullpen depth.

Instead, the Yankees shocked observers by fully releasing him—cutting ties with a pitcher

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