New York Yankees’ Bullpen: Dropping Like Flies

The New York Yankees and manager Joe Girardi will now have to get creative with all of their bullpen decisions. After the bullpen gave up nine earned runs in tonight’s 12-8 loss to the Boston Red Sox, Girardi revealed to the media that set up man David Robertson will be out five to six days with shoulder tendinitis. It was said that Robertson came to him before Friday’s game and told him of the injury. This injury is a huge blow to the Yankees because now they have to try to patch together a bridge to Mariano Rivera, but now they might need a bridge for the bridge.

With injuries to D-Rob and

, the question becomes who will Girardi call on to pitch in games before

comes in? Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

During tonight’s game, Boone Logan left the game two batters after giving up a game tying home run to Mike Napoli in the 7th inning. Girardi told the media after the game that the lefty will have a MRI tomorrow for discomfort in his left biceps. Logan and Robertson have made the two most appearances of any relievers in the bullpen this season. This adds on to what was reported earlier this week that Shawn Kelley will miss at least the next few days due to a triceps injury. Not only does Girardi lose his number two reliever, but now loses his number three and number four guy, as said by YES’ Jack Curry.

So, who is left in the Yankees’ bullpen? Well, Preston Claiborne had been the reliable, versatile guy for the Yankees this season, but he has hit a huge speed bump. He has given up six runs combined in his last two appearances in addition to his 5.23 ERA in August. Of course, Yankees fans are tired of seeing players like Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain come out of the pen. Joba has become the equivalent of waving the white flag as he continuously gives up runs whenever he comes in the game.

Is it time for the Yankees to try more relievers like Cesar Cabral, Dellin Betances, or Adam Warren in some big spots just by necessity or will Girardi call on more of Hughes and Chamberlain? Whatever the case, it seems as if the Yankees’ strength throughout the entire season is starting to run out of gas. Girardi’s binder will see more pages added to it by the day and it will be interesting to see the strategy he takes with the pen in the incoming games as the Yankees continue to stay in the fight for the second Wild Card spot.