Yankees player grades for ALDS sweep of Twins

Relief pitchers

The strength of the Yankee machine allowed 10 hits and three runs in 13.1 innings. Striking out 16 as opposed to seven walks is a solid ratio; however, I’d like to see Tommy Kahnle and Zack Britton avoid giving up any more long balls moving forward.

Aroldis Chapman was his typical indigestion inducing self. In 2.2 innings of work, he allowed one hit, walked two and struck out four. Chad Green was put into consistent high-leverage situations, especially in Game 3 and, despite allowing two hits, he struck out one in two innings and came out unscathed.

The other lefty’s, J.A. Happ and Tyler Lyons were effective, each tossing a scoreless inning — Happ walked one and struck out two while Lyons fanned two Twins.

Although Adam Ottavino pitched in all three games, he was used mainly for matchup purposes — only compiling one full inning of work. He allowed one hit, two walks and struck out one.

Kahnle and Britton each threw 2.1 innings. Kahnle struck out three men while allowing a walk, two hits and a run. Britton did similarly, striking out one and giving up a walk, a hit and a run.

Perhaps the one reliever that may not make the ALCS roster is Jonathan Loaisiga. Used instead of fellow righty, Luis Cessa, Loaisiga gave up one run on two hits and struck out two in just one frame. With spotty command, it’ll be interesting to see if the Yankees replace Loaisiga with the likes of C.C. Sabathia, who is recovering from a left shoulder impingement.

Overall, I’d grade the Yankee bullpen with a B+. Reliable as usual, but still with room for dominance — which will be needed moving forward.