According to a report from MLB.com's Zack Meisel, the New York Yankees have signed former Seattle Mariners reliever David Aardsma to a $500,000 major league deal, though the right-hander will open the season on the disabled list as he continues his recovery process from Tommy John surgery.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the pitcher could return by July, and that his contract contains a club option for 2013. Aardsma hasn't pitched in the Major Leagues in 2010, when he saved 31 games for the M's, though posted a 0-6 record and 3.44 ERA. He also had 38 saves with a 2.52 ERA in 2009. Aardsma owns a 13-15 record and 4.20 ERA in six MLB seasons in his career.
As for his new start, Aardasma said going to the Yankees is always a great opportunity, but loves Seattle still.
Per the Seattle Times' Geoff Baker:
David Aardsma told me he'll miss Seattle, but MLB deal from Yanks tough to turn down. Won't begin throwing until July
— Geoff Baker (@gbakermariners) February 22, 2012
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