The Yankees moved to bolster their bullpen, signing sidearming right-hander Darren O'Day to a one-year contract with a player option for 2022, the club announced on Wednesday.

The deal, which will pay O¡¯Day $1.75 million this season, includes a $1.4 million player option for the 2022 season, a source told MLB.com. If O¡¯Day declines the option, there is a $3.15 million player option or a $700,000 buyout.

Right-hander Ben Heller was designated for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster.

The 38-year-old O'Day was 4-0 with a 1.10 ERA in 19 appearances last season for the Braves. In 16 1/3 innings, he registered 22 strikeouts against five walks, permitting eight hits. Overall, the 13-year big league veteran owns a 2.51 ERA in 604 appearances with the Angels, Mets, Rangers, Orioles and Braves. He's also no stranger to the American League East, having compiled a 2.40 ERA over seven seasons with the Orioles from 2012-18, including an All-Star selection in 2015.

O¡¯Day is historically tough on right-handed batters, having limited opponents to a .186 batting average since his first full season in 2009. That is the third-lowest mark among pitchers with at least 1,200 batters faced over the span, trailing only Kenley Jansen (.161) and Aroldis Chapman (.171).

O¡¯Day projects to be an important part of the late-inning bridge to Chapman, pitching alongside right-hander Chad Green and left-hander Zack Britton.

The signing follows the Yanks¡¯ recent move to jettison right-hander Adam Ottavino in a rare deal with the Red Sox; O¡¯Day, like Ottavino, has historically been tough on right-handed batters. Ottavino was dealt with right-hander Frank German in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The Ottavino trade freed approximately $8 million for the Yanks¡¯ efforts in remaining under the $210 million luxury tax threshold. Additional bullpen signings are possible, while general manager Brian Cashman has maintained contact with the representative for outfielder Brett Gardner, the club¡¯s longest-tenured player.