Yankees Closer David Bednar Faces Early Season Challenges
The New York Yankees’ closer, David Bednar, has encountered some hurdles as the season unfolds, despite a strong start where he earned a save in each of his first five appearances. Following a recent loss to the Oakland Athletics, his performance has drawn attention, especially concerning his fastball velocity.
Recent Performance Struggles
In Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat against the A’s, Bednar allowed a crucial run for the third time in just four games. Both Bednar and Yankees manager Aaron Boone have downplayed concerns regarding Bednar’s dip in fastball speed, asserting that it’s typical at this early stage of the season and attributed in part to cooler weather.
"It’s early in the season and the weather [is cold],” Bednar remarked. “It’s nothing to panic about.”
Key Stats:
- Recent Appearances: 4 ¹/₃ innings pitched
- Hits Allowed: 8
- Runs Allowed: 3
- Strikeouts: 6
- Total Pitches in Last 2 Games: 73
Bednar struggled notably against the A’s, surrendering two hits, including the go-ahead run via a sacrifice fly. Reflecting on his performance, he admitted:
“I got ahead of guys and couldn’t put them away. That can’t happen in a game like that.”
Changing Dynamics in the Outfield
In a twist of fate, Jasson Domínguez returned to center field for the first time since 2024, showcasing the Yankees’ intent to give their top prospects varied playing experiences. Previously confined to left field, Domínguez’s transition comes as he attempts to revitalize his early season batting average after going 0-for-5 in a game with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Outfield Rotations:
- Left Field: Spencer Jones made his first start of the season.
- Current Outfield Depth:
- Left: Cody Bellinger
- Center: Trent Grisham
- Right: Aaron Judge
- DH: Giancarlo Stanton
- Bench: Randal Grichuk
Manager Boone stated the importance of exploring flexibility amongst their prospects, noting:
“You never know when things pop up,” emphasizing the need for depth in case of injuries or underperformance.
Injury Updates and Future Prospects
Injury updates have also become essential as left-hander Carlos Rodón continues to progress following elbow surgery. Despite a minor setback due to hamstring tightness, he was scheduled to pitch two simulated innings, yet Boone stressed caution before Rodón resumes playing in live situations.
"We want to make sure he’s in a good spot before he goes and does something live or in a game situation,” Boone advised.
Meanwhile, the Yankees anticipate Anthony Volpe rejoining the team, with Boone hinting at a possible rehab assignment next week.
Takeaways:
- Rodón’s Progress: Thrown without setbacks, key to the Yankees rotation.
- Volpe’s Status: Expected to join the team shortly, adding depth to the infield.
Recognition for Achievements
The team was officially recognized before the game, with Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. each taking home individual Silver Slugger Awards for their contributions, while the entire Yankees offense was honored with a team award.
For a deeper dive into the New York Yankees’ recent performances and updates, you can explore ESPN or MLB.com.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for both Bednar and the Yankees as they navigate injuries and player adjustments, aiming to maintain competitiveness in the league.
