A third Rule 5 Draft player has been returned to the Yankees. Earlier today the team announced right-hander Jose Mesa Jr. has been sent back by the Orioles. That means Mesa cleared waivers and is no longer on the 40-man roster. The Yankees assigned him to Triple-A Scranton, though that may only be a temporary assignment.
The O’s designated Mesa for assignment last week to clear 40-man roster space for Alex Cobb. He did not have a good Spring Training at all (7.2 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 7 BB, 5 K) and making the Opening Day roster always seemed like a bit of a long shot.