Evan's plan to fix Yankees bullpen problems come playoff time
As the bullpen continues to be among the biggest worries about the 2024 Yankees, Evan presented a potential solution that can still result in the Yanks winning their first title in 15 years.
For inspiration, Evan pointed to the 2019 Nationals, who shocked the Astros in the World Series and won it all despite a shoddy bullpen.
“They ended up using a lot of their starters out of the bullpen in a strategic way,” Evan said, as starters like Patrick Corbin was used out of the pen in the Fall Classic.
“Gerrit Cole is here to win. You tell Gerrit Cole that there are off days all over this postseason. ‘You tell me when you feel comfortable to come in and throw 18 pitchers, and we’ll use you’...same thing with Luis Gil. Same thing with Marcus Stroman.”
The playoffs, especially early on, would have multiple off days if the Yanks reach the division series, and if so, Evan would want starters like Cole ready to come on in relief. In addition, he wouldn’t be afraid to push relievers if they are pitching well, as a means to get more outs from arms that are proving to be effective, rather than just settle into pre-established roles, such as Clay Holmes getting the final three outs as the closer.
“The Yankees, if they get to the ALDS...will feature an inordinate amount of off days,” Evan said. “They play game one, then an off day. Game two, then an off day. Games three and four, and then an off day.
“If a guy pitches an effective inning, don’t rush to take them out just because everyone has a role. Tommy Kahnle pitched well...if a guy is effective, if Mark Leiter looks dominant, push it. Maybe an extra batter.”
