The Yankees Unsung Heroes
The New York Yankees somehow managed to win 103 games this year, despite 39 IL stints, mediocre defense and suspect starting pitching for most of the season. Everyone talks about the Bomber’s Bullpen being their saving grace, but they’ve had their share of issues, too!
The Pen was expected to be the team’s strength in 2019, but early on, there were some serious problems. Chad Green and Jonathon Holder couldn’t miss a bat early in the year, and Dellin Betances missed almost the entire season.
Aroldis Chapman had a 9.36 ERA in the moth of July, and a report came out saying he would opt out of his contract after the season. Many fans pointed to the door.
As July tuned to August, New York righted the ship. Chad Green turned his season around and pitched very effectively and Tommy Kahnle bounced back from an injury plagued 2018 to be an important piece of the pen. Chapman has been lights out since August started and Zack Britton has been solid all year. The pen is heading into the postseason rested and ready to go.
The Yankees were the first team in Major League history to have four pitchers each make at least 60 appearances, while limiting opponents to a .200 average or lower, Zack Britton (.182 in 66 games), Aroldis Chapman (.185 in 60 games), Tommy Kahnle (.200 in 72 games) and Adam Ottavino (.198 in 73 games). The fearsome foursome held hitters to a collective .192/.289/.299 line with a 2.41 ERA.
The Yankees were 25–1 when all 4 pitched in the same game.
If it comes down the bullpen, the Yankees have a chance to win their 28th Championship!
