I have a feeling Ohlendorf could be bumped from the rotation to the bullpen. I don’t know that for sure, but Ohlendorf seemed like a different pitcher in his two-inning relief appearance last night. He was grunting through his pitches and hitting 94-97 with his fastball. I talked to Mark Newman today, and Newman did not say one way or the other that Ohlendorf would or would not move to the pen, but he did say that he was impressed by what Ohlendorf did Thursday night.

If the team does move Ohlendorf to the pen, they’ll still have a rotation of Chamberlain, DeSalvo, White, Igawa and Kennedy. Again, I’m not sure it will happen, just saying it seems like a possibility. (Source)

I think this is a good move. Look, Ohlendorf simply hasn’t had enough success as a starter to be in the Yankees long term plans as a starter. Especially, with Hughes, Joba, Ian, White, Rasner, Clippard, Sanchez, Karstens and possibly others ahead of him for big league starts. 

If he continues to pitch as a reliver, he has a chance to help the big club in the bullpen this year and in the future. Who wouldn’t want a guy who throws 95+ mph with more stamina than most relivers (having a starters pedigree)? I think we might end up doing the same thing with Sanchez, if he doesn’t come back all the way healthy.