As the New York Yankees enter September, the focus shifts to their bullpen, which has become a significant concern following the trade deadline. Despite a strong first half of the season, the Yankees opted not to bolster their pitching staff, a decision that has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. With injuries affecting key players, the Yankees are now tasked with identifying reliable options to support their pitching rotation as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.
Since August 4, the Yankees have managed to maintain an impressive team ERA of 2.77, leading Major League Baseball. This success comes despite the absence of pitchers like Max Fried and Ryan Weathers, both of whom are on the injured list with elbow issues. Fernando Cruz's injury has further thinned the bullpen, yet the Yankees have risen to the challenge, showcasing the depth of their pitching staff.
However, as the season winds down, the Yankees face a pressing question: who will emerge as the next trusted reliever in manager Aaron Boone's bullpen? Currently, the hierarchy in the bullpen is not clearly defined beyond a few reliable names such as David Bednar, Brent Headrick, and Paul Blackburn. Boone has his preferred options, but beyond that, uncertainty looms.
One of the intriguing aspects of this situation is the potential for unexpected contributors to rise to the occasion. The Yankees have a history of maximizing the potential of lesser-known pitchers, and this September could see anyone from the current roster or those in Triple-A stepping up. Young pitchers like Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, and Ryan Weathers, all returning from injuries, could play pivotal roles. Gil, who has recently returned as a reliever, has shown promise with a fastball reaching 96 mph, while Schmidt boasts a solid track record with a 3.07 ERA over the last two seasons when healthy. Weathers, who transformed into a top starter earlier this year, could also provide a significant boost if he can return to form.
In addition to these returning players, the Yankees have also scoured the market for late-season additions. Recently, they brought in Michael Fulmer, who is known for his 2016 Rookie of the Year award, and claimed John Schreiber off waivers. Fulmer has made a few appearances with the Yankees, showcasing a cutter-heavy approach, while Schreiber made a promising debut with a scoreless inning. Although their long-term futures with the team are uncertain, the Yankees' coaching staff, led by Matt Blake, has a reputation for revitalizing pitchers, making it possible for either player to find success in New York.
The Yankees also have several minor league options that could be considered dark horses. Angel Chivilli, who had a strong July before a rough outing in August, Yerry De los Santos, and Brendan Beck are among those who might be called up if needed. While relying on these players in October may not be ideal, their prior performances suggest they could potentially contribute if given the chance. Elmer Rodríguez, who has returned to the big league squad, also deserves mention as a candidate who could impress Boone with a strong performance this month.
With just a month remaining in the regular season, the Yankees must quickly decide how to fill the unsettled spots in their bullpen. The outcomes of these decisions could have significant implications for their playoff aspirations. As the team prepares for their next series, fans will be eagerly watching to see which pitchers step up and earn a place in Boone's Circle of Trust.
The Yankees are currently enjoying an off day, allowing them to regroup before heading to San Diego for their next matchup. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to additional content on the site, including recaps of the Yankees' performances in August and insights into the team's prospects.
Leave a Comment