David Hale, born Sept. 27, 1987, revived his career with South Korea’s Hanwha Eagles before becoming a reliable Yankees middle reliever in 2019. He posted a 3.11 ERA over 20 appearances and 37.2 innings for New York that season.
After the Yankees designated him for assignment in July 2018, Hale signed a $500,000 deal with the Hanwha Eagles for the rest of the season. He recorded a 4.34 ERA in 12 starts and 66.1 innings; KBO pitchers had a collective 5.17 ERA that year. The Yankees brought him back on a minor-league deal, and he was called up in late May 2019 after Nestor Cortes Jr. was injured.
A lumbar spine strain and a knee injury during rehab interrupted Hale’s 2019 season. The Yankees designated him for assignment after their ALDS win as Aaron Hicks and CC Sabathia joined the postseason roster. Hale was traded to Philadelphia in August 2020, then designated for assignment on June 25, 2021, which the article says marked the end of his career. He finished with 13 wins, 12 losses, three saves and a 4.44 ERA over 273.2 innings.
