The bullpen happened to be the New York Yankees’ biggest strength last year. However, the tables have turned this year completely. The off-season trade of four regular pieces led the bullpen to be paralysed, and the shortcomings are visible. However, the team cannot hold up like this for too long.
The New York Yankees’ championship aspirations are at stake, and hence, the team needs to do better with its bullpen. While the front office is working on outside reinforcement, it’s important for the franchise to look for internal solutions as well. And a step in the right direction, the Yanks announced a much-needed bullpen shuffle.
Yankees Shuffle Bullpen By Recalling Jake Cousins For Yoendrys Gomez
The New York Yankees’ bullpen shuffling continues as they welcome back right-handed pitcher Jake Cousins from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Cousins, who has been recovering from an injury, is set to rejoin the team at a crucial juncture in the season. The relief pitcher’s return adds a significant boost to the Yanks’ relief corps, which has seen its share of ups and downs this season. Having been traded off from the White Sox earlier this off-season, Jake allowed one run in three innings in April before the team optioned him back to minor league. In Triple-A, Cousins spent two months on IL and posted a 3.00 ERA in seven appearances. He pitched 1.2 scoreless innings against the Blue Jays upon his return on Thursday.
That being said, in a corresponding move, the Yankees optioned Yoendrys Gomez back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Gomez allowed five runs in the Subway series finale. Besides, the Yanks bullpen consists of Clay Holmes, Luke Weaver, Michael Tonkin and Tommy Kahnle. The front office also added Tim Hill and Phil Bickford in separate trades this year. Meanwhile, the Bronx Bombers are expected to get another reinforcement in Scott Effross in the coming weeks. Efforss, who underwent Tommy John surgery and back surgery in 2022, has been transferred to Triple-A for a rehab assignment. Aaron Boone states that Effross is just building up, and his return is just writing on the wall. Overall, the team will eventually need reinforcement at the trade deadline to ensure a successful postseason finish. A couple of external options will do wonders if the front office manages to get the right picks.
Yanks Lose AL-East Lead To Orioles
The New York Yankees’ June form has been abysmal as they lost four series on the trot. After losing the Subway series to the Mets, the Bombers went down against Toronto Blue Jays in the series opener on Thursday. Carlos Rodon allowed 8 runs in 5 innings. Despite Jake Cousins closing things out, the Yanks lost 9-1.
That marked New York Yankees four straight loss for the first time this year. They also lost the AL-East lead to defending division champions Baltimore Orioles. While the franchise does not deem the situation alarming, the fans are more or less concerned. The team needs to get back to the winning momentum to ensure a deep postseason finish and, ultimately, the championship ring.
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