The New York Yankees were able to snap their three-game losing streak last night with a 6-5 extra innings win over the Baltimore Orioles. It was a much needed win for New York considering the flood of problems that have suddenly plagued baseball’s best team.
Just days ago, the Yankees were 29-10 and riding as high as you can. However, things started to go wrong over the weekend. There was the mentioned three-game losing streak and then injuries as well as covid starting hitting the team.
Reliever Chad Green will have to undergo Tommy John surgery. Green hadn’t been as sharp this year as he has been in the past, but he was still considered one of the best arms the Yankees had.
Zack Britton had to get Tommy John last year and it’s not known whether or not he’ll even pitch this year. Luis Gil just blew out his UCL last week and he will have to get Tommy John. Aroldis Chapman, who has been horrendous lately, has hit the IL with an achilles injury.
Needless to say, after a flawless start for the Yankees, they’ve been hit hard with some bullpen injuries. Now, there are still bright spots in the pen like Clay Holmes, but New York is using their bullpen a lot and without reinforcements, it could cause a problem down the stretch with injuries and fatigue.
Will The Yankees bring back a familiar face?
All that in mind, New York is going to be looking for bullpen help at the deadline this year. Without question, the Yankees need to go out and acquire some assistance for their bullpen and I believe that Brian Cashman will do that.
There’s one name out of the potential options that’s very familiar to Yankees fans. That’s former closer and current Cub, David Robertson. The 37-year-old Robertson is off to a very solid start for the Chicago Cubs this season.
In 14 games, Robertson is pitching to a 1.76 ERA with a WHIP of 0.913. He’s also recorded six saves for Chicago. The Yankees and Cubs are no stranger to doing deals. I would expect them to be engaged at the deadline this year.
When I wrote about potential trade targets for the Yankees, one name I thought about was catcher Willson Contreras. The Yankees have liked him for a long time and with him in a walk year, I’m expecting Chicago to look at dealing him.
Ian Happ is another guy the Yankees could target. Happ fits the mold of what the Yanks love and what they need. He could fill an unproductive void in the outfield, but he’s diverse enough to flex wherever the team would need him. He has an extra year of control, so he might cost a decent chunk.
New York and Chicago lining up again to do business
Robertson signed a one-year deal before the season started so if he remains solid, I would expect him to get traded. I expect the Yankees to make calls to Chicago regarding all three of these guys. Now, if Hicks/Gallo really pick things up and Jose Trevino stays hot, maybe they cool on Contreras and Happ.
However, regardless of how that interest manifests, I would expect New York to remain in on David Robertson. He wouldn’t cost the Yankees much in terms of dollars or prospects.
Robertson would be a solid arm to add and we know he can handle New York. Hell, Robertson has spent the better part of nine seasons wearing pinstripes. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him wearing them again before the deadline passes.