Sigh of relief in Yankee bullpen
WITH ALL THE issues surrounding the Yankees’ bullpen of late, they desperately needed strong performances from their back end.
They received a respite from the struggles on Saturday about a half-day after their bullpen gave up seven runs. Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman each bounced back by pitching perfect eighth and ninth innings, respectively, while the Yankees trailed by one run, paving the way for Clint Frazier’s walk-off homer in the Yanks’ 5-3 victory.
“These guys are extremely talented and they’re extremely important to us,” Joe Girardi said of Betances and Chapman. “So getting them on track is vital to our success. It’s good to see what Dellin did today, the strikes he threw, the quality strikes that he threw, and let’s build on it.”
Betances first was helped with a nifty play at first base by Ji-Man Choi before striking out the next two batters. Betances, who’s heading to his fourth straight All-Star Game, had a 0.40 ERA entering June 22 but gave up nine earned runs over his next 4 2/3 innings. On Wednesday, he gave up a run and walked four batters.
“I have confidence in myself obviously,” Betances said. “Things haven’t been going as well, but I believe in myself every time I go out there. You’ve got to move on from the bad and the good. You’ve just got to be able to turn the page. It was definitely good to do what I did (Saturday) and just keep the team in a good position to come back, and that’s what we did.”
Chapman struck out the side in the ninth inning and earned his second win of the season. He had last pitched on Monday, giving up two runs on three hits. Since being activated from the DL on June 18 from rotator-cuff inflammation in his throwing shoulder, Chapman has allowed four runs (three earned) in seven innings.
For the Yankees to stay in playoff contention they’re going to need Betances and Chapman to be the top-tier relievers they’re supposed to be, particularly with a guy like Tyler Clippard becoming unreliable.
“That’s why they’re our guys. They go in there and dominate,” Aaron Judge said. “That’s what they did (Saturday.) That’s why Dellin’s an All-Star man. He goes in and attacks hitters.”
Normally they will be relied upon to protect leads and shut the door, but on Saturday Betances and Chapman kept the team in the game and in position for the walk-off win, critical innings for the scuffling Yankees.