Yankees’ Bullpen Adjustments: Gonzalez Departs, Gomez Impresses
**Bullpen Changes:**
Despite having the 5th best bullpen ERA in MLB at 3.39, the New York Yankees have faced considerable challenges and reshuffling recently.
**Victor Gonzalez’s Departure:**
The Yankees designated 28-year-old left-hander Victor Gonzalez for assignment. Despite efforts by manager Aaron Boone to integrate him effectively, Gonzalez struggled, posting a 3.86 ERA over 23.1 innings. His performance, including 4.24 strikeouts per nine innings and a high 5.01 walks per nine, was underwhelming, though he did maintain a solid 55.1% ground ball rate, one of the best on the team.
Even though Gonzalez’s expected stats indicated he performed better than his actual outcomes, hinting at some luck, he was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles, an AL East rival. The Orioles’ bullpen, with a 3.48 ERA, ranks 9th in baseball, where Gonzalez might find a new opportunity.
**Yoendrys Gomez Steps Up:**
Following Gonzalez’s departure, the Yankees promoted Phil Bickford and called up Yoendrys Gomez, a promising 24-year-old homegrown talent. Gomez held a 3.13 ERA at the Triple-A level over 46 innings and has impressed in the major leagues with a perfect 0.00 ERA over 5.2 innings, stranding all baserunners.
Gomez’s diverse pitching arsenal includes a four-seam fastball, sweeper, slider, curveball, and changeup, providing the Yankees with strategic flexibility against various opponents.
**Future Prospects:**
Pitching coach Matt Blake continues to adapt bullpen strategies to maximize effectiveness. The Yankees also anticipate the return of key pitchers from injury, including Scott Effross, a significant 2022 trade acquisition who has begun a rehab assignment and is expected to rejoin the team soon, potentially bolstering the bullpen’s strength further.
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