Yankees Designate Justin Topa for Assignment

The New York Yankees have designated right-handed reliever Justin Topa for assignment, according to a team announcement made on August 29, 2026. This decision coincides with the activation of left-handed pitcher Max Fried from the 15-day injured list, resulting in two available spots on the Yankees' 40-man roster.

Topa, who joined the Yankees on a minor league deal in mid-August, had made two appearances for the team, including a game against the Red Sox where he allowed one unearned run over three innings. Prior to his time with the Yankees, Topa had a challenging season, leading to his release from the Twins in May after giving up 17 earned runs in 19 innings.

Despite a decent performance with the Yankees, Topa's struggles earlier in the season, including a significant drop in the velocity of his sinker, have raised concerns. He is now undergoing a 48-hour waiver process due to his service time status.