Yankees Recall Bradley Hanner: Electric Arm Bolsters Bullpen Now
Yankees Call Up Reliever Bradley Hanner: What You Need to Know
The Big News
The New York Yankees have brought up pitcher Bradley Hanner from their Triple-A team in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. This is his first time ever being called up to the major leagues! He’s 27 years old and has been working hard in the minor leagues for years.
At the same time, reliever Kervin Castro is going on the injured list for 15 days (starting from August 10) because of right elbow neuritis – that’s a fancy way of saying he has nerve irritation in his elbow.
Important Point: This move was first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Why Did This Happen Now?
Here’s the step-by-step story of how Hanner got here:
- After the All-Star Break, the Yankees officially added Hanner to their 40-man roster (the list of players the team controls).
- They immediately sent him back down to Triple-A.
- Why? Hanner had an opt-out clause in his minor league contract. That means if the Yankees didn’t put him on the 40-man roster, he could have become a free agent and signed with any team.
- The Yankees liked what they saw, so they protected him — and now they’re giving him a real shot in the big leagues.
How Good Has Hanner Been?
Really good — especially lately. Check out his Triple-A numbers this season:
- ERA: 2.10 (that’s excellent — lower is better)
- Strikeout Rate: 29% of batters faced (he misses a lot of bats!)
- Innings Pitched: 51 ⅓
- Walk Rate: 11.4% (a bit high — he sometimes struggles with control)
Important Point: While his strikeout numbers are great, his walk rate is higher than ideal. Control has been a challenge throughout his career.
What Kind of Pitcher Is He?
Hanner isn’t a flame-thrower, but he has a smart mix of pitches that confuses hitters:
- Four-seam fastball: Averages 93.4 mph
- Sinker: Drops down in the zone
- Cutter: Moves sideways like a mini-slider
- Sweeper: A sweeping, horizontal breaking ball
He uses this variety to keep hitters off balance — even without overpowering velocity.
His Journey to the Yankees
Hanner’s path hasn’t been straightforward. Here’s the short version:
- 2019: Drafted in the 21st round by the Minnesota Twins (not a high pick)
- Minors with Twins: Never made it past High-A
- 2022: Selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the Rule 5 Draft (minor league phase)
- 2023: Posted a 4.74 ERA in Triple-A, then became a minor league free agent
- 2024: Signed with the Yankees and dominated in Triple-A → Earned his first MLB call-up!
What This Means for the Yankees’ Bullpen
- The Yankees already have a strong bullpen, but they lack flexible depth.
- Hanner is in his first of three “option years” — meaning the team can send him up and down between the majors and minors without losing him.
- Right now, Angel Chivilli is the only other pure reliever in the minors on the 40-man roster.
Important Point: Hanner gives the Yankees a fresh, optionable arm they can use in different situations — and shuttle back to Triple-A if needed.
Summary
- Bradley Hanner, 27, gets his first MLB call-up after a breakout Triple-A season (2.10 ERA, 29% K-rate).
- He replaces Kervin Castro, who’s on the 15-day IL with right elbow neuritis.
- The Yankees protected him from free agency after the All-Star Break by adding him to the 40-man roster.
- Hanner throws a mix of four pitches (93 mph fastball, sinker, cutter, sweeper) — not overpowering, but effective.
- He’s optionable, giving the Yankees flexibility in managing their bullpen depth.
FAQ
Who is Bradley Hanner?
A 27-year-old right-handed relief pitcher who just got called up to the majors for the first time after a strong season in Triple-A.
Why was Kervin Castro placed on the injured list?
He has right elbow neuritis — nerve irritation in his elbow — and will miss at least 15 days (retroactive to August 10).
What does “optionable” mean?
It means the Yankees can send Hanner back to the minors without him having to clear waivers (where other teams could claim him). He has three option years total; this is his first.
Was Hanner a top prospect?
No. He was a 21st-round pick in 2019, never reached Double-A with the Twins, and was let go by the Guardians after a rough 2023. This year’s performance changed everything.
What pitches does Hanner throw?
He throws a four-seam fastball (~93.4 mph), sinker, cutter, and sweeper — a diverse arsenal that helps him get outs without elite velocity.