The New York Yankees have faced considerable challenges with their bullpen over recent weeks, leading pitching coach Matt Blake to rotate multiple pitchers in search of reliable and healthy options. After holding a position as one of the top bullpens in baseball about a month ago, their ERA has slipped to 12th in the rankings at 3.68.
Yankees’ Recent Changes and Injury Updates
This past weekend, the Yankees made a tough decision by designating Phil Bickford for assignment after he allowed five earned runs in less than an inning. This move is part of broader efforts to manage the impact of injuries within the team. Currently, the Yankees are anticipating the return of pitchers Ian Hamilton, Scott Effross, and Lou Trivino, each dealing with individual issues.
Additionally, starters Clarke Schmidt and Cody Poteet may also contribute from the bullpen once they recover from their injuries.
Potential Trade Targets
Speculation has linked the Yankees to Mason Miller of the Oakland Athletics, a 25-year-old star known for his triple-digit fastball. However, acquiring Miller would require a significant trade package due to his impressive stats, including a 1.96 ERA over 36.2 innings this year.
A more realistic target might be Tanner Scott from the Miami Marlins, who has a 1.50 ERA over 36 innings, an 81.2% left-on-base rate, and a 48.8% ground ball rate. With the Marlins lagging in the NL East, they might be looking to offload some players at the trade deadline.
Infield Considerations and Veteran Insights
The Yankees could also explore Jazz Chisholm as a potential infield solution if Gleyber Torres does not improve by the late July deadline. According to Blake, the Yankees are continuously scouting for the right mix of players, focusing particularly on seasoned veterans who might complement their current roster. Despite this, the reality of finding an ideal solution isn’t always guaranteed.
“I think we’re always looking to find the best mix of guys out there,” Blake said, via The Athletic. “There’s some guys out there that we’ve liked over the years, Tim Hill being one of them. I think we’re trying to find the right mix of guys out there for the balance of right- and left-handed lanes.
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Leveraging Underperforming Players
The Yankees have found value in players like Michael Tonkin, a 34-year-old who has played for three different teams this season and maintained a 1.23 ERA over 29.1 innings with the Yankees. While relying on less consistent pitchers is a risky strategy, it has allowed the Yankees to allocate budget elsewhere, aiming to maintain a competitive edge without over-investing in the bullpen. This approach highlights their strategic flexibility in managing team resources effectively while still aiming for high performance.