In what feels like an everyday concern the New York Yankees bullpen is faltering. In last night’s contest against the Chicago White Sox, the Yankees bullpen surrendered another lead late in the game. This time it was Zach Britton, Sunday night in Boston was Aroldis Chapman. The bullpen of the Yankees that has been a strength all season but is now showing signs of weakness. However, the bullpen giving up leads late in two of the last three games is a sign of something deeper.
Over Use
No matter how good a bullpen might be, when they are overworked they will falter. Now let’s be clear that in both Sunday night’s game and in last night’s game the bullpen was overall effective. However, the more outs needed by the Yankees bullpen the more likely someone is not to have his “Good Stuff.” As was the case with Aroldis on Sunday and Britton last night.
The Yankees added some depth during the non-wavier trading season with the additions of JA Happ and Lance Lynn. Lynn pitched very well in relief of Sonny Gray‘s abysmal outing at Yankee Stadium last Wednesday. And he pitched even better in his first start for the Bronx Bombers on Monday night in Chicago. JA Happ had a good first outing in Pinstripes then quickly found himself on the DL with “Hand Foot and Mouth disease.” Happ is however scheduled to come off the DL and make his second start at the Stadium Thursday against the Texas Rangers.
Needed Length
The Yankees have used their bullpen a lot this season due to starters not giving the Yankees consistent length in their starts. This causes the Yankee relievers to be called on early and often in games. Inconsistent outings in terms of effectiveness and distance leave the team is a dangerous position.
Earlier this week we covered how the Yankees must get back to basics to turn things around. And that isn’t about just defense but also getting length out of their starting pitchers. That way the bullpen isn’t overtaxed and ineffective.
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