Yankees Bullpen Faces Structural Challenges: Recent Moves Aim to Bolster Relief Unit
The New York Yankees have been renowned for their ability to discover and enhance bullpen talent, turning overlooked pitchers into significant contributors. Recent examples like Clay Holmes and Ian Hamilton serve as testaments to this proficiency.
However, 2023 has presented unforeseen challenges for the Yankees’ bullpen. An unexpected weakness has emerged, prompting the team to make radical changes to their relief unit. Following short outings by starting pitchers Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil, the bullpen has been reshuffled, shedding familiar faces and introducing new arms to the roster.
Victor Gonzalez’s departure marked a significant shift. The 28-year-old left-hander was designated for assignment (DFA), surprising many given his prior contributions. Gonzalez, acquired from the Dodgers, struggled with control issues, posting a 3.86 ERA but walking 13 batters over 23⅓ innings. His inability to strike out hitters consistently further compounded his woes.
“We had to make a tough decision with Vic. His struggles with control and not putting hitters away forced our hand,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
To address these concerns, the Yankees called up Yoendrys Gomez and Phil Bickford from Triple-A. Gomez, despite being raw, brings potential with his talent, holding a 3.13 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 46 innings at Triple-A. Bickford, a former Met, has also shown promise, delivering a 2.93 ERA with 35 strikeouts over 27⅔ innings with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
The bullpen’s strikeout rates have dropped significantly, ranking 20th in MLB, a stark contrast to their usual dominance. This lack of strikeouts has hurt the team in critical moments, particularly in extra-inning games where generating outs without balls in play becomes vital. Their June ERA of 5.17 reflects the struggles, compounded by ineffectiveness and injuries.
Phil Bickford’s arrival aims to inject new life into the bullpen. Boone highlighted his potential, describing him as a tough right-on-right pitcher capable of delivering one-plus innings, which is vital in current circumstances.
Besides Bickford and Gomez, the Yankees also signed veteran lefty Tim Hill, formerly with the team’s Triple-A affiliate. Hill represents another move to add depth and strikeout capability to a beleaguered bullpen unit.
Future help could come from relievers Scott Effross and JT Brubaker, who are on rehab assignments and may return in a few weeks. Nick Burdi, recovering from hip inflammation, is also expected back later.
Yankees’ management might explore trade options by the upcoming deadline to further bolster the relief corps. The recent bullpen issues underline the urgent need for effective and consistent performance to sustain postseason aspirations.
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