Is It Time to Start Questioning the Yankees Postseason Chances?
While the New York Yankees just took game two of a three-game series against the Houston Astros, there’s plenty to be concerned about for the team that was once at the top of the American League standings. Friday’s game one was a brutal extra-innings loss, yet another crushing ending caused by a bullpen falter. The biggest concern now, even after several trades at the trade deadline, is still their bullpen. Despite the fact that the team traded for proven closers Camilo Doval and David Bednar, as well as reliever Jake Bird, the team has yet to win a series since the deadline. Bird was sent down to Triple-A recently, and both Doval and Bednar have had their issues.
On Friday, the Yankees lost the game due to another blown save opportunity by Devin Williams. Along with the bullpen issues, the Yankees’ reliance on Williams has become one of their biggest concerns. At this point in the season, it’s clear to see that Williams doesn’t have a solid spot on the team and has lost almost all confidence he once had. A once-formidable closer for the Milwaukee Brewers, Williams allowed only three runs for the entirety of his 2024 season. After allowing two earned runs in Friday’s loss, Williams has allowed 28 runs on the season.
On Saturday, the Yankees barely escaped the Astros and barely escaped another blown lead by the bullpen. Doval entered in the eighth inning and promptly allowed a run and left with the bases loaded. Although Bednar was able to end the inning with two strikeouts and ultimately close the game in the ninth inning, he did allow a bases-loaded walk to tie the game. After Bednar’s gutsy performance in Texas, it seemed like he would be getting the closing job. However, a closer needs to be the most reliable pitcher. As of right now, Bednar might not be the most reliable pitcher.
While the Yankees were at one time the top team in the American League, they currently barely hold on to a postseason spot. Currently, the team is in the third Wild Card spot, two games behind the Seattle Mariners and three games behind the Boston Red Sox. Additionally, the American League East is practically out of reach, barring a collapse from the Toronto Blue Jays. The Yankees only lead the Cleveland Guardians by a half-game, and with their next loss, they may very well be out of a spot. If the team wants a solid chance at the postseason, they might want to change their identity and approach the rest of the season. With baseball being such an unpredictable sport, the Yankees can either make the most or the least out of the rest of their season. While they most likely will still make the playoffs, only time will tell if they can do anything once they are there.
