New York Yankees: Freddy Garcia to Bullpen, David Phelps to Join Rotation

It was reported on Sunday morning that the New York Yankees have decided to move Freddy Garcia to the bullpen (via Bombers Beat).

The move comes as no surprise, especially after Garcia's exceptionally poor outing on Saturday.

On the season, Garcia owns an ERA of 12.51 and an 0-2 record. His WHIP is currently 2.195.

The move suggests that right-hander David Phelps, who has pitched very well in a long relief role this season, will swap places with Garcia.

Phelps, who is in his rookie season, owns a 3.57 ERA in six appearances spanning 17.2 innings. He has 14 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.075.

Another candidate to take the spot in the rotation is D.J. Mitchell, who has been recalled from Triple-A. Phelps likely has the upper hand, though, considering his success in six games in 2012.

Although no corresponding move has been announced in terms of Mitchell's promotion, it's expected that Cody Eppley will be sent back down to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Garcia knew the move was inevitable if he didn't continue pitching well, saying, "It's not like they'll wait for you to be good. That's not the way it works here."

It remains to be seen how Phelps will fair in the rotation, but it's hard to believe that he could be any worse than Garcia.

Even with the demotion, Garcia is lucky his punishment wasn't worse. He's pitched poorly enough to warrant an outright release from the team.

Hopefully, this will be a sign of good things to come for a Yankees rotation that has struggled thus far in 2012.