Yankees trade Luis Cessa and Justin Wilson to Reds

Yankees starter blanks second straight AL East rival

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Yankees’ bullpen shake-up continued following Tuesday’s 4-3 win over the Rays, as they sent left-hander Justin Wilson and right-hander Luis Cessa to the Reds in exchange for a player to be named later.

The move frees up money in advance of Friday’s trade deadline. Wilson is making $2.85 million this season and Cessa $1.05 million, according to Spotrac.com.

The Yankees were less than $1 million under the $210 million luxury tax threshold, so this would allow them to add payroll elsewhere and still remain under the threshold.

It came a day after the Yankees traded a pair of minor leaguers for Pittsburgh right-hander Clay Holmes, who is making $685,000.

Wilson struggled in his second stint with the Yankees after signing with them in the offseason. He allowed five homers in just 18 innings and had a 7.50 ERA. Cessa, though, is in the midst of his best season in the majors and provided valuable innings this year.

Now, a taxed bullpen has even more question marks — although there are undoubtedly more moves to come soon.