New York Post

Heaney acquired for depth

- By DAN MARTIN

MIAMI — While the Yankees addressed their lineup by adding a pair of big bats, they made a smaller move to at least add some depth to their rotation, trading for Angels left-hander Andrew Heaney before Friday’s deadline in exchange for a pair of minor league pitchers.

Manager Aaron Boone said Heaney would be in the rotation, perhaps replacing Nestor Cortes Jr., whom the Yankees could use in a variety of roles.

Heaney has an unsightly 5.27 ERA this season, but Boone pointed to the fact he has 113 strikeouts in 94 innings this season.

The 30-year-old Heaney was acquired in exchange for right-handers Janson Junk and Elvis Peguero.

“At this time of year, making sure you have depth, you’ve got to make sure you’re covered,” Boone said.

For now, Heaney will provide a bridge until the anticipate­d return of Luis Severino from Tommy John surgery, which has been delayed by a strained groin. Severino is expected to make a rehab start in the coming days and could come up to the majors before he’s fully built up.

DJ LeMahieu and Gio Urshela were both held out of Friday’s lineup with injuries — but both ended up playing.

Boone said LeMahieu was dealing with a strained triceps that he played through in Thursday’s loss at Tampa Bay, despite some soreness. LeMahieu entered Friday’s game when Gleyber Torres was ejected in the top of the seventh.

“That can’t happen,’’ Boone said of Torres’ ejection with two infielders out.

Urshela has a tight hamstring, but it was better Friday. He pinch-hit in the pitcher’s spot in the eighth and singled. He was immediatel­y removed for a pinch-runner, Cortes. Boone said he would have used Brett Gardner if it had been the tying or go-ahead run.

Cashman said he pursued moves for a center fielder, but couldn’t come up with a match.

Aaron Judge started in center Friday, with Giancarlo Stanton finally making his longawaite­d reappearan­ce in left field at a National League park. It was Stanton’s first time in the outfield since 2019.

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