Former Mets Righty Adds Depth, Options

The New York Yankees have signed former Mets right-hander John Maine, according to Evan Drellich of MLB.com:

The Yankees will be signing former Mets/Red Sox righty John Maine to a Minor League deal, source says. Maine's been working out with Yanks

— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) May 25, 2012

Maine, 31, was most recently signed by the Boston Red Sox in January, but was released at the beginning of May. He hasn't seen big league innings since 2010, when he pitched thirty-nine innings and racked up a 6.13 ERA over nine starts.

In 2007, Maine enjoyed his best season as a pro, starting thirty-two games and earning a 3.91 ERA. Since then, he's gradually worsened and been continually injured, posting worse numbers each season before being relegated to the minors in the Rockies' system during the 2011 season. He walked away from AAA Colorado Springs last June, and was reportedly considering retirement.

Still, he adds depth to an organization that needs it, and Andrew Marchand of ESPN characterizes the deal as "starter insurance." While Maine may not ever see big league innings again, he might give the club additional options as they move starters in and out of the rotation.