The Yankees have gotten some much-needed bullpen reinforcement this week with the returns of Luis Severino and Domingo German, but the relief core is still far from full strength.
Established arms like Chad Green have struggled with the long ball in a demanding workload this season, while Jonathan Loaisiga, the team’s best reliever this year, is on the IL after more than doubling his previous career-high in innings. To add insult to injury, one former Yankee reliever continues to dominate after being dealt for a player to be named later at the deadline.
Luis Cessa tossed 1.2 perfect innings for the Reds earlier this week, striking out three to earn the win in a 5-2 victory. It marked Cessa’s sixth straight appearance without allowing a hit or a walk, and has retired 25 in a row in a span of 8.1 innings. He also hasn’t allowed a run in his last nine appearances, settling in nicely to his new home in Cincinnati.
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Since joining the Reds, Cessa has pitched to a 1.31 ERA in 20.2 innings of work, striking out 17 and allowing just one walk. Batters are hitting just .203 since the trade on July 28, when Cessa was dealt along with lefty Justin Wilson for the eventual player to be named later in minor league pitcher Jason Parker.
Cessa had been pitching strong for the Yanks before the deal, holding a 2.82 ERA over 38.1 innings. Wilson struggled badly in his second tenure in pinstripes, but he has been solid for the Reds as well, allowing five runs over 13.1 innings out of the bullpen.
This isn’t the first time a former Yankee found new life with the Reds. Sonny Gray was traded to Cincinnati prior to the 2019 season, and immediately became an All-Star. He has a 3.34 ERA with the Reds over three seasons after a disastrous stint in New York.
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