TAMPA — As per the minor league free-agent contract Jon Niese signed after spring training camp opened, the Yankees had to release him before March 28 or pay him $100,000 if they made the move after that.
Sunday, the Yankees opted to release the 30-year-old lefty who was looking for a spot in the major league bullpen.
“He is a free agent and has the ability to see what’s available and talk through it,’’ Brian Cashman said.
Asked if the Yankees would have an interest in having Niese back, Cashman said, “I wouldn’t say.’’
With Niese out of the way, Chasen Shreve’s chances of grabbing a bullpen spot improved, but the lefty has an option and a third lefty is something the Yankees might not go with.