When it comes to the game of baseball, a strong bullpen can often be the key to success. The New York Yankees, for instance, have built one of the most dominant bullpens in the game. With a mix of veteran experience, talented arms, and impressive depth, the Yankees’ bullpen has consistently proven to be a force to be reckoned with.
This season, the Yankees bullpen’s responsibilities have doubled down. The starting rotation has remained incomplete for the longest time due to consistent injury woes. Fortunately, the bullpen arms have managed to salvage the loss. This year, the team’s bullpen arms are in a dream form and recently scripted a new record.
Yankees The Only Team In MLB To Have A Bullpen ERA Below 3 This Year
This year, the New York Yankees are facing a scarcity of starting pitchers due to an injury crisis. The situation has dropped to a new low as the team revised its strategy to field a four-man rotation. Under these circumstances, the onus shifted to bullpen arms to not only close the games but also to handle the middle innings. Surprisingly, the relievers have done a fabulous job. They have collectively recorded a 2.78 ERA, which is the lowest in the league presently. The Cleveland Guardian is ranked second lowest with a 3.04 ERA, which also makes the Yankees the only team to have a bullpen ERA below 3.
The actual reason behind the Yankees’ bullpen success this season is the change in approach. This year, the manager has opted not to play with just one designated closers. Instead, Aaron Boone has played with a combination of Clay Holmes, Wandy Peralta, and Michael King to close out innings. Moreover, Peralta has been the find of the season, as he recorded four saves in the past 15 games or so. Apart from him, King stayed consistent throughout, with Holmes finally coming around after the initial struggle. Not only that, the bullpen is set to get a boost as reliever Tommy Kahnle has been added to the active roster. Overall, the Yankees bullpen is expected to scale new heights and battle it out at the forefront this season.
Bombers Call In Additional Reliever, Plans To Field Four Man Rotation
Last week, the New York Yankees faced a huge blow as their key starter, Nestor Cortes, suffered from a shoulder injury. The injury aggravated over time, and the team had to place him on a 15-day IL. However, the team management made a surprising move shortly after. While calling in the reinforcements, the Yankees choose to add reliever Matt Krook instead of starter Jhony Brito to the active roster.
This means that the Yankees will be playing with a four-man pitching rotation for the foreseeable future. It remains to be seen how the strategy pans out for the Bronx Bombers. On the flip side, Carlos Rodon is nearing a rehab assignment and could be back by early July. Regardless, the Bombers will have to play with these set of four starters for at least the month of June.
