The New York Yankees’ bullpen started the season where they left off in 2023 by posing the lowest ERA (2.49) in the league until May 20. However, the happiness was short lived as following Clay Holmes uncharacteristic blowout on the mound, the rest of the relief corps also suffered a meltdown.
Entering Monday, the New York Yankees have the 12th-best bullpen ERA (3.68) in MLB. Injuries and inconsistencies are two major factors contributing to the downfall. Hence, to save the season and avoid a second-half collapse, the Yanks pitching coaches are keeping a close eye on a top relief prospect thriving in minor leagues.
Yankees To Call Up No.24 Relief Prospect Jack Neely?
The New York Yankees are apparently considering calling up pitching prospect Jack Neely to address their bullpen’s recent struggles. With the team looking to strengthen their pitching staff for the remainder of the season, Neely’s promotion could provide a much-needed boost. Neely, a promising right-handed pitcher, has been making waves in the minor leagues with his impressive performances. From the 2023 mid-season to last month, the reliever had a 2.59 ERA in Double-A Somerset. He received a much-needed Triple-A promotion in June and has proven to be an ideal candidate for a potential major league promotion. Notably, the pitcher is 6-foot-8 long and is widely considered a strikeout machine. His fastball and slider mix is enough to get things done in two pitches itself.
“We’ve had conversations about Jack and how he’s doing. He’s in the mix,” New York Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake confirmed last week in Toronto. Notably, Jake Neely could be a good addition to the Yanks bullpen due to his formidable strikeout rate, which is an area of concern for the Bombers this year. The team has had a 21.9 percent strikeout rate in 2024, which ranks 23rd in MLB. That being said, besides Jack Neely, the Yanks can count on rehabbing relievers Scott Effross and Ian Hamilton. Both pitchers could be back in the mix by the All-Star break, thus expanding skipper Aaron Boone’s options. Besides, the trade window is still open. The front office can explore various options and build a formidable and balanced bullpen before time eventually runs out by August 1. Be it external or internal, bullpen reinforcements are the need of the hour for Yanks.
Yanks DFA Phil Bickford After The Blue Jays Meltdown
In an important roster move, the New York Yankees have designated relief pitcher Phil Bickford for assignment following his meltdown against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. Bickford allowed five runs in two-thirds of the sixth inning, which piled up the Jays’ lead to 16 runs.
That being said, Josh Maciejewski has been added to the active roster as corresponding bullpen move. Maciejewski made his MLB debut earlier this year and tossed three Marlins hitters on four pitches. In Triple-A, the pitcher has 5.35 ERA in 16 outings, including four starts. John pitched a scoreless inning in the team’s 8-1 win over the Jays on Sunday finale.
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