Yankees Bolster Bullpen with Key Acquisitions
The New York Yankees, in their quest to strengthen the bullpen, have made three important moves. David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird are the new additions that will seek to give the team a boost. Doval was the last of the three pitchers to join the Yankees, marking the culmination of a week of acquisitions that sought to improve one of the team’s weakest areas.Redemption Details
To acquire Doval, the Yankees sent four prospects to the San Francisco Giants: catcher Jesús Rodríguez, right-handed pitcher Trystan Vrieling, infielder Parks Harber, and left-handed pitcher Carlos De La Rosa. In exchange for Bednar, the Pittsburgh Pirates received three prospects: catchers Rafael Flores and Edgleen Pérez, and center fielder Brian Sanchez. Finally, to obtain Bird, the Yankees sent second baseman Roc Riggio and left-handed pitcher Ben Shields to the Colorado Rockies.“We are better,” said General Manager Brian Cashman. “And that’s simplifying things: today we are better than yesterday, so the mission is accomplished.”
Brian Cashman
Impact on the Bullpen
It is expected that the three right-handed relievers will substantially improve a bullpen that has recorded one of the worst ERAs in the league since June. Bednar, with an earned run average of 2.37 and 17 saves in 42 appearances this season, comes with an arsenal that includes a 97 mph fastball. Doval, known for his 98 mph cutter, will also bring his strikeout ability. Bird, with a strikeout rate of 26.3%, will seek to establish himself on the team.Internal Reinforcements and Perspectives
In addition to acquisitions, the Yankees are awaiting the return of Fernando Cruz, who has been on the injured list, and Mark Leiter Jr., who is recovering from a stress fracture.The Yankees didn’t give up any of their top nine prospects in the organizational rankings for the seven acquisitions made. Pérez, number 10 on the list, was the only prospect given up by New York. Flores, 24 years old, could be the most MLB-ready player the Yankees gave up. Riggio, Shields, Rodríguez, Vrieling, De La Rosa and Harber were also part of the moves made.“We have the opportunity in these coming months to return to the World Series and, hopefully, win it,” said manager Aaron Boone.
Aaron Boone
