Three weeks back, Aaron Boone mentioned, “Shortening the game has been somewhat challenging for us lately, especially with all the injuries we’ve dealt with.”
That was when the Yankees brought in David Bedner, Kamilo Doval, and Jake Bird to bolster their struggling bullpen as they aim for the division title and a playoff berth.
Unfortunately, the team’s performance since the trade deadline has been underwhelming, highlighted by a recent loss to Boston where Doval struggled once again early in the game.
Bedner seemed to have settled in since joining from Pittsburgh, but Doval has had a rough start in New York after his move from San Francisco. Meanwhile, Bird’s performance was so poor that he was quickly sent back down to Triple A.
“There’s some inconsistency there,” Boone said on Friday. “We’re working to put these guys in the best roles possible. I can do better, and we all need to step up. We genuinely believe there’s talent among these players to be impactful.”
But so far, that potential hasn’t really materialized.
Doval, again, was erratic during Thursday’s game, allowing a tying run while pitching six innings.
Boone had a conversation with Doval on Friday, discussing ways to get him mentally prepared throughout the game.
Since his offseason trade from Milwaukee, a move expected to significantly strengthen the team, he, along with Devin Williams, hasn’t quite lived up to the hype.
Mark Leiter Jr. also struggled, while Jonathan Loáisiga and Fernando Cruz dealt with injuries.
Bednar, aligning with Boone’s optimism, believes the Yankees can achieve their ambitious goals.
“Absolutely,” Bednar stated. “There’s undeniable talent here. Just look at the arms we have available to us—it’s up to us to capitalize on it during games.”
Nevertheless, early challenges have been discouraging. Bednar noted that switching to a new team always comes with a learning curve.
With just five weeks left in the season, Boone acknowledges that the new pitchers need to find their footing quickly.
“Some of these guys are accustomed to closing games, but now they find themselves in different roles,” Boone explained. “It’s part of the challenge. Every game is crucial as we fight for playoff spots. Those late innings, whether it’s the seventh or ninth, always feel critical. You have to deliver in those moments.”
Boone holds onto the belief that they can turn things around before it’s too late.
“I truly believe we’ll get there,” Boone asserted. “Everyone needs to come together, but I’m convinced we have the talent and potential. My hope is that it starts to click at the right time so we can be playing meaningful baseball in October.”
