BALTIMORE – Mike Stanton and Paul Quantrill are the initial casualties of the Yankees’ miserable first three months, The Post has learned.
The veteran relievers were designated for assignment after last night’s game against the Orioles was rained out.
Stanton and Quantrill, both of whom struggled in reduced roles than they have been used to, were called into Joe Torre’s office and informed of the move that the club planned to announce tomorrow.
The Yankees have 10 days to trade or release the pitchers, who will likely clear waivers since Stanton makes $4 million and Quantrill $3 million. The Yankees have until tomorrow night to fill the spots. One could be calling up shortstop Felix Escalona from Columbus (Triple-A).
“(Torre) told me I was designated for assignment and (Brian) Cashman got on the phone and said it was a move from Tampa,” said Stanton, whose last pitch as a Yankee was belted for a game-winning home run Tuesday night by Brian Roberts.
“It was shocking, it totally blindsided me. I didn’t see this coming. I am numb.” Since the 38-year-old Stanton was a key member of the Yankee World Series champion teams in 1998-2000, the move hurt.
“I feel if I had gotten the opportunity to do the job and pitched my way out of it, then that was one thing,” said Stanton, who was 1-2 with a 7.07 ERA in 28 games.
“But I had 14 innings. I didn’t think they brought me back to be a left-handed specialist.”
Stanton, who has a full no-trade, isn’t ready to retire but he can pick and choose where he continues his career.
Quantrill, doesn’t have a no-trade clause, and will think about if he is done at 37.
“I certainly didn’t pitch to my ability,” said Quantrill, who was 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA in 22 games (32 innings). “I was always used to pitching a lot.”
Quantrill will wait and see what develops.
“I don’t want to get into a situation like I was in this year,” Quantrill said.
“I wasn’t in the mix. I don’t want to get in a situation like this again. It’s not worth it. But at the end of the day I am a big on being accountable and I didn’t pitch well. I didn’t help the team.”
