The Yankees have optioned reliever Cory Wade to Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre, Marc Carig of the Star-Ledger reports. The move makes room for Chad Qualls in the New York bullpen after the team acquired him for cash from the Phillies on Sunday.
Wade was excellent for the Yankees in 2011 (2.04 ERA, 3.75 K/BB in 39.2 innings) but has struggled mightily in 2012, with a 5.79 ERA in 32.2 innings. He has utterly collapsed in June, allowing a .438/.481/.875 opponent triple-slash line and 22 runs (21 earned) in just 12 appearances.
Qualls wasn't much better for Philadelphia, allowing a 4.60 ERA over 35 appearances (31.1 innings) and giving up seven home runs. At the least, Qualls provides a warm body as Wade tries to right himself in the minor leagues, but such struggles against National League competition leaves little room for optimism.