The New York Yankees have a week to finalise their opening day roster. However, with overflowing options and a couple of injury concerns, the task is more tedious than it seems. Skipper Aaron Boone must have his hands full at the moment. But a decision has to come sooner than later.
Having said that, the New York Yankees are likely having a dilemma with respect to bullpen options. While the front office enforced a few changes during off-season, the loss of key leaders in free agency and trade deals will surely hurst the bullpen balance. Will Boone be able to stag a strong pen this season?
How Will The Yankees Bullpen Turn Up This Year?
The bullpen has been the New York Yankees’ biggest strength in recent history. Last year, whilst the rotation collapsed due to injuries, the bullpen squad saved the franchise’s face. For a major half of the tournament, the Yanks bullpen had the lowest ERA in the league. However, times have changed as the club sacrificed key pieces of the dominant bullpen this off-season. For starters, Michael King, Johny Brito, Randy Vasquez, and Wandy Peralta are at the Padres. Additionally, Tommy Kahnle is likely to skip a few weeks due to some injury concerns. For now, Clay Holmes has emerged as the lead closer and the most experienced arm. Dennis Santana registered an impactful spring outing against the Braves. He came in to relieve Nestor Cortes and struck down the core of the Braves lineup.
With that, Dennis Santana has strengthened his case for the bullpen role this season. Additionally, Luke Weaver, Luis Gil, Cody Poteet, and Will Warren are preferred candidates to fill the Yanks bullpen. Luke Weaver rejoined the team this off-season on a short-term deal. Additionally, top prospect Warren has not only made a strong case for the bullpen but also for the starting rotation in the absence of Gerrit Cole. Gil is coming off a Tommy John surgery. So, he would build up slowly. Overall, Aaron Boone has enough options to choose from this year. However, striking the balance of right and left-handers is the real challenge. Regardless, with a mix of experience, youth, and talent at their disposal, the Yankees have the potential to field a formidable bullpen capable of shutting down opposing hitters and securing victories for the team.
Nestor Cortes Bags Opening Day Starter Role After Gerrit Cole’s Injury
In a major setback for the New York Yankees ahead of the 2024 MLB season, Gerrit Cole has been ruled out for 10-12 weeks with a nerve inflammation injury on his pitching elbow. Regardless, the Yanks were proactive with their approach and appointed Nestor Cortes as his replacement.
After Marcus Stroman rejected the offer to start on opening day, the New York Yankees turned to Nestor Cortes, who accepted the offer gracefully. It’s been a while since Cortes has had this opportunity, and he intends to optimize it. Cortes will pitch on March 28 against the Houston Astros to kick-start the MLB 2024 season.
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