Gio Gonzalez has reportedly exercised his opt-out clause, giving the Yankees until Monday to decide whether to add him to their major league roster or grant him his release.
Starting the season without Luis Severino and CC Sabathia, the Yankees signed Gonzalez, 33, to a minor league deal last month to provide more rotation depth. The contract included a clause that allowed the left-hander to opt out if he wasn't on the big league roster by April 20. According to ESPN, he notified the Yankees of his decision Saturday.
Through three minor league starts, Gonzalez is 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA. He had a rough first outing, allowing eight runs over four innings, but he's given up just two runs over his last two starts.
Kim Klement/USA TODAY Images Gonzalez went 10-11 last season with a 4.21 ERA for the Nationals and Brewers. He's a two-time All-Star who began his career with the A's in 2008. His best season came in 2012 with Washington, when he went 21-8 with a 2.89 ERA.
With Severino out until at least June with a lat strain and 36-year-old J.A. Happ struggling (7.23 ERA), the Yankees could still use help in the rotation. Whether they believe Gonzalez can be the solution is a question they'll answer soon.