The acquisition of Josh Hader by the Astros has now become a possible asset to the Yankees’ bullpen.

It was reported Monday by the Yankees that left-handed reliever Matt Gage had been claimed off waivers by the Astros.

After Hader inked a five-year, $95 million deal with the Astros, Gage was designated for assignment last week to create space on the roster.

Just ten days after claiming infielder/outfielder Diego Castillo off waivers from the Mets, the Yankees designated Castillo for assignment in order to make room on their own 40-man roster for Gage.

In sixteen big league outings for the Astros and Blue Jays, Gage—a 30-year-old native of upstate New York (Johnstown) and a product of Siena College—has recorded a 1.83 ERA.

Because he still has a minor league option, he is a valuable arm who the Yankees can call up from Triple-A if they need him.

For further insurance in case they are unable to re-sign left-handed reliever Wandy Peralta via free agency, the Yankees now have three left-handed relievers on their 40-man roster thanks to the waiver claim: Victor Gonzalez, Nick Ramirez, and Matt Krook.

Gage was a starting pitcher chosen by the Giants in 2014. He departed affiliated ball in 2019 to pitch in the Mexican League and an independent league in 2020. In 2021, he returned to the Diamondbacks’ organization as a reliever.

After making his Major League Baseball debut in 2022 with the Blue Jays, he split 2023 between the Astros and their Triple-A affiliate. In 37 ⅓ innings pitched, he had a 4.58 ERA and 39 strikeouts.