Yankees call up Luis Cessa, Luke Voit | What it means

by Felix Pantaleón

The Yankees are reportedly calling up pitcher Luis Cessa and first baseman Luke Voit before the start of a series against the Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass. on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018. (8/2/18)

BOSTON — The Yankees are bringing in reinforcements.

Pitcher Luis Cessa and first baseman Luke Voit were expected to be called up before the start of a crucial series with the Red Sox at Fenway Park on Thursday, according to the Times Leader’s D.J. Eberle.

Yankees vs. Sox: What you must know

WHY CESSA: It’s possible the Yankees don’t think J.A. Happ, who’s dealing with hand, foot and throat disease, will be ready to make his scheduled start Saturday. That the Yankees sent Cessa, a righty, down July 26 means someone is headed to the disabled list. A player can’t be recalled within 10 days of being demoted — unless he’s replacing someone injured. Cessa could also provide long relief help, considering Lance Lynn was needed for 4 1/3 innings in Wednesday’s loss to the Orioles.

WHY VOIT: Voit is a right-handed bat with pop. The Yankees are slated to see two lefty starting pitchers this series — Brian Johnson on Thursday, David Price on Sunday. Maybe the Yankees sit Greg Bird those days and start Voit? In the minors this season, Voit has actually been better against righties (.307 BA, .906 OPS, 199 AB) than vs. lefties (.237 BA, .789 OPS, 59 AB). The Yankees just acquired Voit and international bonus money from the Cardinals in a deal that sent relievers Chasen Shreve and Giovanny Gallegos to St. Louis. Voit is the new primary first baseman at Triple-A with Tyler Austin traded to Minnesota.

Luis Cessa wasn’t told what his role would be with the Yankees other than to be ready. Could start or come out of the bullpen. #Yankees

— DJ Eberle (@ByDJEberle) August 2, 2018

Luis Cessa: I’m really happy, again, for the opportunity. I was just waiting. Yesterday they told me I’m only pitching one inning. Yesterday Tommy told me it was just in case they needed me. Bobby told me, today, I’m called up. I’m happy. I’m real happy. Just try to do my job.

— DJ Eberle (@ByDJEberle) August 2, 2018