The Yankees announced a series of minor moves this afternoon, adding right-handed pitcher Jhony Brito and left-handed pitcher Matt Krook to the 40-man roster. Outfielder Tim Locastro elected free agency, rather than accept an outright assignment to the minors and off of the major league roster.
Krook’s and Brito’s additions to the roster protects them in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, which will be held at the end of the winter meetings next month. Players who were signed at age-18 must be added to the 40-man within five seasons, and players signed older than that within four seasons, or else be eligible for selection in the Rule 5 Draft.