New York Yankees Bullpen Can Dominate Against Left-Handed Hitters Next Season
When Yankees assigned Lucas Luetge to duty Last week, Wandy Peralta became the only southpaw in New York with major league experience.
With Luetge assigned, Aroldis Chapman not returning and Zack Britton a free agent, left-handed relievers are suddenly in short supply on New York’s 40-man roster. Peralta, however, has proven reliable, posting a 2.82 ERA since joining the Yankees at the start of the 2021 season. And it’s not like the team doesn’t have options to stifle left-handed hitters, even if those options don’t throw from same side of the plate.
For example, there is Tommy Kahnle. His two-year, $11.5 million reunion with the Yankees forced Luetge out even though the latter was generally good for New York — but not at high leverage – over the past two years.
Kahnle shoots with his right arm, but he is known for causing headaches for swingers out of the gate. Lefties have hit .229 against Kahnle in his career, and he limited them to a .209 average in 2019, his last full season.
Then there’s Ron Marinaccio, who didn’t seem to care which side of the batter’s box they stood on last season. The rookie was actually better against lefties (.146 AVG/93 plate appearances) than against righties (.152 AVG/88 plate appearances).
When it comes to reliever pitchers, the Yankees have another left-hander who could make a difference in 2023.
Matt Krook is on the 40-man roster; he just hasn’t played in the majors yet. However, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, manager Aaron Boone and pitching coach Matt Blake all recently said Krook could affect the club this coming season.
Krook has been primarily a starter throughout his minor league career, but his impressive strikeout rates (25.7% in 2022) and the Yankees’ need for a lefty could land him in the bullpen.
Of course, the Yankees could add another seasoned reliever to pair with Peralta if they want more of a sure thing. Veterans Andrew Chafin, Matt Moore and Brad Hand are among the free agent lefties coming off strong campaigns, and Britton’s re-signing is still possible after his Tommy John comeback lasted just three games before the season-ending season. passed.
So the Yankees don’t have many experienced lefties in their bullpen right now, but that could certainly change. Either way, the team still has options when it comes to attacking left-handed hitters in 2023.
MORE:
Follow Gary Phillips on Twitter (@GaryHPhillips). Be sure to bookmark it Inside The Pinstripes and check back daily for news, analysis and more.
