The New York Yankees need a third baseman, and they may need another starting pitcher. Those are the two main areas the club is expected to address before the MLB trade deadline. But now, another hole may be emerging right before our eyes: the bullpen.
The Yankees’ bullpen had been a strength for most of the season, but recently, things have begun to unravel for the unit. While Devin Williams has actually righted the ship after a miserable start, Mark Leiter Jr. has gotten rocked multiple times (even if his defense sometimes betrays him), and Luke Weaver doesn’t quite look the same since returning from the injured list.
Not only that, but breakout reliever Fernando Cruz is now sidelined for the second time this season due to yet another injury. First, it was a shoulder issue. Now, it’s his oblique as a result of a mishap with a medicine ball (pretty sure no one had that on their bingo card).
You can never have enough relief arms, and New York is now learning that the hard way. Heck, the Yankees just blew two games against the Toronto Blue Jays as a result of poor relief pitching, watching their lead in the AL East shrink in the process.
Fortunately, the Bronx Bombers have plenty of time between now and July 31 to make a move, and there should be plenty of relievers available.
Last year, the Yanks acquired Leiter at the deadline, so it stands to reason that Brian Cashman will be active in trade discussions for bullpen help again in the coming weeks.
