The New York Yankees have struggled in the bullpen at times this season, but they have managed to compensate with extraordinary run support from their sluggers. Factor in the impressive display of offense from career-average players like Cameron Maybe, Mike Tauchman, and Gio Urshela, and you can say the Yanks got lucky.
Their field positions were fortunately filled with capable starters, even if most didn’t believe they were quality options before signing on with the Bombers this season. The bullpen didn’t have as much good luck, but they’ve scraped by nonetheless. Manager Aaron Boone had chances to bring in young support from the farm system but elected not to.
Before the trade deadline, No. 1 pitching prospect Deivi Garcia was reportedly on the trading block, despite have immense potential and representing the future on the mound. The Bombers and general manager Brian Cashman elected to keep Garcia in the farm system, and he will stay there until next year.
There were rumors of Garcia making an appearance during the regular season in a relief role but was never called up as he struggled at times in Triple-A ball.
“I think he’s still kind of finding his way at his next level, too,†Boone said Wednesday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. “He a very young guy who’s still developing in a lot of ways.â€
This past Tuesday, Garcia tossed three scoreless innings, recording two strikeouts and allowing just one hit over 37 pitches. A solid outing for the 21-year-old player.
Starting in Single-A ball this year, he has marched his way through the ranks to the top-level faster than any other prospect. The Yankees and Boone figured he could be a potential bullpen arm later on in the season if needed, but the Bombers continued to win despite their lack of efficiency at times. Exposing him to the majors too soon could have been detrimental to his development, which is why they elected to keep him with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
He’s struck out 165 batters in 111 1/3 innings, posting a 4.28 ERA in 26 games (21 starts).