Colter

Bean

Bean, one of the better relievers in the minors over the last few years, is in the majors for a second time after posting a 1.69 ERA and striking out 33 in 26 2/3 innings for Columbus. The Yankees have no faith in him at all, but he should be of some use in middle relief while he’s up.

The Yankees didn’t have to remove Bean from the 40-man roster, but since they’ve never had much interest in using him, keeping him available in Triple-A wasn’t a high priority. Maybe someone will claim him, if not for immediate use then to stash him away in the minors. Bean gave up two runs in two innings during his three days with the Yankees.

So the Yankees are finally interested in having Bean around. The sidearming right-hander was taken by the Red Sox in last year’s Rule 5 draft but didn’t stick. He had a 2.29 ERA in 82 2/3 IP for Triple-A Columbus and never got called up, showing just how little faith the Yankees have in him. We doubt he’ll get the extended oppportunity he deserves.

Bean is 3-3 with a 3.23 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 39 innings at Triple-A. We’re going to have to talk through it and figure out what we’ll do before (tomorrow),’' manager Joe Torre said.

The team needed the space on the 40-man roster with Phil Hughes being activated from the DL. Since being optioned to Triple-A in early May, Bean has been horrible, recording a 6.00 in May, 7.11 in June and 6.75 in July. The 30-year-old won’t be getting another look for quite some time at this rate.

Bean pitched scoreless innings in two of his three appearances, but he gave up six runs to the Twins in his other outing this spring. The Yankees figure to stick him back in Columbus.

Bean, 26, had a 2.87 ERA in 69 innings as a reliever for Triple-A Columbus last season, but because he has below average stuff, the Yankees didn’t include him in their plans. He’s not very likely to have a spot in the Boston bullpen.

Poor Colter Bean got to throw just two innings this spring and allowed one run. He’s 29 now and still being held hostage by a team that has no intention of ever using him, though in the Yankees’ defense, it anyone truly wanted him, they probably wouldn’t ask for much in return. Bean had a 3.01 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 71 2/3 IP for Triple-A Columbus last season.

Bean had struck out 14 in 8 1/3 scoreless innings for Columbus. He deserves an extended opportunity, but he’s only expected to hang around until Saturday, when the Yankees will need to recall a fifth starter.