BOSTON – The Yankees turned down the United States Olympic baseball team’s request to have reliever Jay Tessmer participate in the Sydney Olympic Games.

Tessmer, called up a week ago but has yet to appear in a game, certainly isn’t one of their top prospects even after tying for the International League lead in saves with 34 for Columbus (Triple-A) this year.

Said Tessmer, “Hopefully, it means they have plans for me.”