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The Yankees brought back a familiar face Tuesday, signing Adam Ottavino to a major league deal and added him to the active roster in time for their series-opening loss to Arizona in The Bronx. 

The move comes with closer Devin Williams going on the paternity list. 

To make room for Ottavino on the 40-man roster, JT Brubaker was transferred to the 60-day injured list. 

Ottavino most recently spent time with the Red Sox after signing a minor league deal in February, but he was released after triggering an opt-out clause on March 23. 


  New York Yankees pitcher Adam Ottavino throws in the eighth inning on April 1, 2025. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST New York Yankees pitcher Adam Ottavino throws in the eighth inning on April 1, 2025. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

“I was in no-man’s-land the last week or so,” Ottavino said. “This came together quickly. It’s thrilling, regardless of how it plays out.” 

The right-hander entered in the top of the eighth and retired two of the three batters he faced in a 7-5 loss

Ottavino said he’s not looking beyond Tuesday and called his arrangement with the Yankees “temporary,’’ but Aaron Boone said there’s a chance the right-hander could stick around in the bullpen after Williams is due back on Friday. 


  New York Yankees pitcher Adam Ottavino prepares to throw in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST New York Yankees pitcher Adam Ottavino prepares to throw in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

“We’ll see,’’ Boone said “We think he’s got a lot left in there. He’s been very effective throughout his entire career.” 

He had a rocky stint in spring training after signing late in February, but in his last two Grapefruit League appearances, Ottavino struck out four and walked one in 2 ²/₃ innings. 

“I was definitely down and not impressive early,’’ Ottavino said. “I was late. I thought I threw the ball well last week. It gave me a lot of confidence to keep going.” 

Which is why he didn’t want to accept a minor league role with Boston. 


  Adam Ottavino was most recently with the Red Sox in spring training. Boston Globe via Getty Images Adam Ottavino was most recently with the Red Sox in spring training. Boston Globe via Getty Images

“I felt like a major league pitcher,’’ Ottavino said. “I wanted to look for the right opportunity. I didn’t want to go to Triple-A and be someone’s backup plan.” 

After opting out of his Red Sox deal, Ottavino spent a week in Jupiter, Fla., working at Eric Cressey’s facility to stay sharp. 

Cressey is the Yankees director of player health and performance. 

The 39-year-old Ottavino spent the previous three seasons with the Mets and appeared in at least 60 games each year. And even though he wasn’t as effective with the Mets last season, he still held right-handed batters to a .536 OPS. 

The Brooklyn native was also with the Yankees in 2019 and ‘20. 


  Adam Ottavino pitched with the Mets from 2022-24. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Adam Ottavino pitched with the Mets from 2022-24. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

“We got him then to be a righty-killer and high-leverage set up and he delivered on that,” Boone said of Ottavino’s first stint with the Yankees. “He’s very familiar with what it takes to play here. This is what he knows. We had a chance to get a quality pitcher in here.” 

Clarke Schmidt (rotator cuff) threw Monday and is slated to make a minor league rehab start with Double-A Somerset this weekend, according to Boone.

If all goes well, the right-hander should be back in the Yankees rotation by the middle of the month. 

Jasson Domínguez picked up his first homer of the season, a leadoff shot from the left side to right-center in the third, but he was again removed for defense late in the game, with Cody Bellinger moving over from center and Trent Grisham entering. 

After the Yankees gave up the lead, Grisham was forced to face lefty A.J. Puk and struck out. 

“He’ll get there,’’ Boone said of Domínguez being able to remain in left when the Yankees are trying to protect a lead. “I really like the plays he made in left field.” 

Anthony Volpe has just three hits on the season — all of them homers.

Volpe went deep again Tuesday, this time a 418-foot shot to left in the fourth inning.

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