Padres Acquire Relief Pitcher Shawn Kelley From Yankees

The world of the San Diego Padres and GM A.J. Preller never seems to take time off. Preller continues his mad rush to overhaul last season’s Friars roster, After rebuilding his entire outfield, replacing his catching tandem, and acquiring a new third baseman, along with a utility infielder, and a pair of starting pitchers, Preller is now going to work on the Padres’ bullpen.

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According to Jon Heyman, CBS Sports and MLB Network baseball insider, the Padres and the New York Yankees have agreed to a deal in principal, that will see the teams exchange Yankees’ reliever Shawn Kelley for minor leaguer John Barbato. Kelley served the Yankees in the back end of their bullpen during 2014, going 3-6, with an ERA of 4.53. His K/9 ratio is impressive, sitting at a whopping 11.7 in 51 2/3 innings of work for the Bombers. Kelley briefly served in the closers role for the Yankees last season, while David Robertson battled an early season injury.

Barbato was selected in the sixth round of the 2010 MLB First Year Player’s Draft, and the 22-year old made his way to Double-A San Antonio last season, going 2-2, with ERA of 2.87 with 16 saves. He has experienced some elbow issues during his career. The Florida native will most likely pitch next season at Double-A Trenton or Triple-A Scranton in the Yankees system.