Dellin Betances Will Get Chances To Close This Season
Jun 1, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances (68) pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the seventh inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. The Twins defeated the Yankees 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
At the start of the year, Dellin Betances was a long shot from being considered as the Yankees’ potential closer, but the 26-year-old flame-thrower very well could be closing games soon. Joe Girardi said Monday he would consider giving Betances the ball if Robertson needs a day off. “I wouldn’t shy away from it” Girardi said to Brendan Kuty of the Star Ledger.
Questions have started coming up after Robertson blew his second save against the Twins. Robertson entered the game with a 2-1 lead, but ended up giving up 5 mind-boggling runs. The Yankees eventually ended up losing 7-2.
That very same game Betances displayed his usual dominance. He struck out five of the 6 batters he faced showing off his high 90’s fastball and knee-buckling slurve. This season Betances in 34 innings has 1.59 ERA and an impressive 15.4 strikeouts per-nine- innings rate.
Although Robertson struggled against the Twins, he has still been solid in replacing the legendary Mariano Rivera, notching 12 saves with a few outings lasting more than a full frame, but he just hasn’t been Betances who Girardi said reminds him of a young Mariano Rivera.
It’s an exciting thought to think of Betances and Robertson as the setup man closer combo, but now it looks like Robertson will be moving back to his setup roll and Betances will be closing things out.