The New York Yankees’ pitching staff has been a weak link this season, largely due to a wave of injuries and some questionable decision-making regarding the bullpen. It began with the team’s refusal to promote Yerry De Los Santos to the majors, despite his impressive spring training numbers.
Things continued with the unexpected demotion of Brent Headrick, a high-strikeout reliever who had been performing well. While both moves might seem more understandable now—given the relievers have struggled since joining Triple-A Scranton—their latest roster move raises even more eyebrows.
To make room for Tyler Matzek, the former postseason standout with the Braves who signed a minor league deal with New York in February, the Yankees designated former top prospect Yoendrys Gomez for assignment. While Matzek has certainly earned another shot, DFA’ing Gomez is a questionable move.
Once ranked as the Yankees’ No. 8 prospect in 2020 and 2021, Gomez has been hampered by injuries, which led to his transition into a bullpen role. This season, he served as a long reliever and was effective in limited action—posting a 2.70 ERA over 10 innings and holding opponents to a .143 average, though his nine walks were a concern. With no minor league options left, DFA’ing him could mean losing him altogether.
As for Matzek, he debuted with the Rockies in 2014 and even tossed a complete game shutout that year, but inconsistency led to a years-long absence from the majors. He reemerged with the Braves in 2020, delivering back-to-back strong seasons and a dominant 1.48 ERA in the postseason—playing a key role in Atlanta’s 2021 championship.
However, injury setbacks have plagued him since, including a lost 2023 season and an oblique strain this spring. After a brief minor league stint (5.2 innings, 3.18 ERA), he now joins the Yankees bullpen with hopes of regaining his old form.
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