PHOENIX – Kirk Cousins’ cousin is the newest addition to the Yankees’ bullpen.
Jake Cousins was activated onto the Yankees’ roster Monday after it acquired him in a trade with the White Sox on Sunday in exchange for cash considerations.
The right-handed reliever spent spring training with the White Sox after signing a minor league deal with them in December but had been assigned to their Triple-A affiliate to start the season.
Instead, the Yankees swooped in to trade for him and immediately add him to their bullpen ahead of a series against the Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Cousins, the cousin of the new Falcons quarterback, is a heavy slider-sinker pitcher, which falls in line with the type of arm the Yankees have had success with in the past.
The 29-year-old, who owns a career 3.08 ERA in 51 appearances across parts of three seasons in the big leagues, has one minor league option remaining to give the Yankees some flexibility with him.
To make room for Cousins on the roster (both the 26-man and 40-man), the Yankees designated left-hander Tanner Tully for assignment.
Tully had been called up on Saturday to provide the Yankees length in their bullpen for the final two games against the Astros, and while he warmed up, he never pitched.
The transaction adds another twist to a long week for Tully.
He went to Mexico City with the Yankees to start the first game against Diablos Rojos last Sunday, then flew to Houston with the team Monday night, flew back to Tampa on Tuesday, got in his car and drove to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, bussed to Buffalo to begin the Triple-A season, then flew back to Houston on Saturday to rejoin the Yankees.