Yankees manager Aaron Boone's thoughts following dismal pitching performances from the team's recently acquired relief pitchers
The New York Yankees have been grappling with a fragile bullpen, and the recent performances of their new relievers have only compounded the issue. The team's bullpen struggles have significantly impacted their games, as they find themselves in a tight AL Wild Card race.
Jake Bird, a recent acquisition at the trade deadline, has had a rocky start with the Yankees. In his first three appearances, he allowed seven runs, six of them earned, including a grand slam in his debut. Consequently, he was optioned to Triple-A shortly after. Devin Williams, too, has struggled, blowing consecutive saves, contributing to the bullpen's inability to hold leads.
The Yankees' bullpen has posted a 6.75 ERA in August and a 6.13 ERA since July, ranking as the second-worst in the Majors during this period.
In an effort to reinforce their bullpen, the Yankees have activated reliever Mark Leiter Jr. from injury and recalled right-hander Yerry De Los Santos alongside Aaron Judge's return from the injured list. However, the team's bullpen depth remains a concern due to ongoing injuries and performance issues among relievers.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed his disappointment over the team's loss on Friday night, a 2-0 defeat to the Marlins. The game was marred by a costly error by Jose Caballero in right field in the bottom of the ninth.
Ryan McMahon, who arrived in a trade from the Rockies, has provided a stabilizing presence at third base for the Yankees, a position they have not had in a few years. His defensive skills have been as advertised, with Manager Boone comparing them favourably to Gio Urshela's. McMahon's defensive clock is also excellent, according to Boone.
Mark Leiter Jr. threw a scoreless inning in a rehab game Saturday night with Double-A Somerset, potentially paving the way for his return to the Yankees. Aaron Judge could also be activated off the injured list as soon as Tuesday if his live at-bats go well.
Cam Schlittler, who made his first start as a big leaguer, was solid across five innings, striking out six, walking two, and giving up four hits. However, he was hurt by a pair of solo home runs by Agustin Ramirez.
Fernando Cruz is making strides towards returning to the bullpen, having thrown a light bullpen session for the first time since late June.
The Yankees will be hoping for improved performances from their relievers to bolster their bullpen and maintain their competitiveness in the AL Wild Card race.
The Yankees are eagerly awaiting improved performances from their newly recruited relievers, including Jake Bird and Devin Williams, whose rocky starts and disappointing outings have added to the team's fragile bullpen woes. As the team battles in the tight AL Wild Card race, they are also closely watching the progress of Mark Leiter Jr., Ryan McMahon, and Fernando Cruz, who could potentially strengthen the bullpen if they perform up to expectations.
