The New York Yankees’ 51-27 record is a smokescreen shading its deep, unattended problem, which is the bullpen. Undoubtedly, the starting rotation showed character in ace Gerrit Cole’s absence. But the bullpen, who lost four primary relief pitchers in the off-season trade for Juan Soto, has failed to keep up.
Notably, last year, the Yankees bullpen had one of the best ERAs in MLB. However, the performance hasn’t translated in 2024. And now, half way down the tournament, the bullpen issue has begun to nag the Bronx Bombers. Can the Yanks resolve the issue? Or the cracks will widen into a catastrophic situation?
Yankees Bullpen A Major Let Down Of The Season!
The New York Yankees, traditionally known for their strong bullpen, are facing significant challenges in the 2024 season. The relief corps is 22nd in MLB with a 21.6% strikeout. While the numbers aren’t at the bottom, they surely do not reflect that of a championship contender. Clay Holmes started the season with 20 scoreless appearances before giving up 10 runs in 12 innings since May 20. Luke Weaver has a 2.68 ERA and 0.80 WHIP in his 43.2 innings. Additionally, Ron Marinaccio, despite being optioned to Triple-A, had a 2.84 ERA across 13 games. Tim Hill, who was added to the roster this week, gave up a three-run homer against Orioles on debut on Thursday.
Notably, the Yankees bullpen wasn’t this bad at the start of the season. However, injuries to Nick Burdi, Ian Hamilton, Tommy Kahnle and Jonathan Loaisiga left the relief corps paralysed. That being said, the Bronx Bombers have begun to take some proactive measures. In a bold roster move announced on Friday, the Yanks designated Victor Gonzalez for assignment to sign RHP Phil Bickford into a major league contract. RHP Yoendrys Gomez was also recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as Yanks shuffled the entire bullpen following 17-5 loss to Orioles in series finale. However, the front office also has to look for long-term external solutions. With the trade deadline approaching, the Yankees should aggressively pursue reliable bullpen arms. Targeting experienced relievers from teams out of contention could provide the stability and experience needed for a playoff push.
Aaron Boone Has An Injury Update On Gleyber Torres!
Second baseman Gleyber Torres was pulled from the New York Yankees’ 17-5 series finale loss against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, citing a groin injury. Manager Aaron Boone suspected a minor issue, and he was spot on. Torres’ MRI scans have come clean. Yet he was given a day off on Friday against the Atlanta Braves as a precautionary measure.
“I would expect him back this weekend,” Aaron Boone said while confirming that Gleyber Torres was treated as day-to-day. Notably, the Yankees infielder isn’t necessarily having a great season, which also happens to be his walk year. The baseman had a .550 OPS through the end of April and a .742 OPS with six home runs from May 1 to June 13. Entering the day of injury, Torres had 1-for-17 funk.
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