New York Yankees get huge boost in bullpen to improve playoff success

With the New York Yankees closing in on home-field advantage for the playoffs, gaining back two influential pitchers will only assist in their success moving forward. Despite losing to the Blue Jays 6-4 on Sunday night, the Bombers trotted out two players who have missed the entire season up to this point.

Both Dellin Betances and Jordan Montgomery made their season debuts, and while one struggled, throwing 41 pitches, the other dominated, striking out both batters he faced.

Montgomery drew the short end of the stick, allowing three runs in his first action of the year. Betances was painting corners and looked like his former self, an excellent sign for the Yankees as the end of the regular season dwindles to a close.

While Jordan’s return wasn’t as he hoped, just getting on the mound was cause for celebration.

“Excited to get out there after I put in all the hard work to get back,’’ Montgomery said, per NorthJersey.com.

“I was ahead of a lot of counts, I just have to finish pitches.”

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated:

“That’s a long road back,’’ said manager Aaron Boone. “To put himself in this position, a lot of credit goes to Monty.’’

Nerves certainly played a part in giving up three runs against a hard-hitting Toronto team. Montgomery will surely bounce back and begin to fall back into his usual routine. It will take a few games to shake off the rust and gain back his confidence on the mound, but just throwing a few pitches was a massive boost to the bullpen.

Also, the Yanks will return ace, Luis Severino, this week, another huge addition that will influence their success during the postseason. Factoring in Severino, Betances, and Montgomery should give the Bombers a better chance at progressing through the postseason and making a World Series appearance.

They have the run support, and with slugger Giancarlo Stanton nearing a return, there’s no question the team has the quality and power to blow their way into the pennant.