Yankees Shuffle Bullpen, Call Up Hard-Throwing Lefty Amid Injury Woes
The New York Yankees quietly reshaped their bullpen on Thursday, making a subtle but notable move by swapping a steady right-hander for a flame-throwing lefty.
Reliever Yerry De Los Santos was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort, halting what had been a quietly solid season. In his place, the team promoted Jayvien Sandridge, a lefty reliever who will be making his MLB debut.
De Los Santos Delivered Quiet Value
While De Los Santos didn’t bring headline-grabbing heat, he provided reliability through precision and poise. Over 20 innings this year, the 26-year-old posted a 1.80 ERA, striking out 13 while limiting hard contact.
He ranked in the 90th percentile in barrel rate and 96th percentile in ground ball rate, using sharp low-zone command to induce weak contact. Despite a modest 14% strikeout rate and a 12.9% walk rate, he consistently kept the damage to a minimum.
De Los Santos was proof that velocity isn’t everything — his effectiveness came from smart pitching and control. His absence won’t dominate the headlines, but for a team relying on bullpen consistency, the timing is unfortunate.
Sandridge Brings Heat and Lefty Upside
To fill the gap, the Yankees turned to Jayvien Sandridge, a hard-throwing left-hander who’s been turning heads in Triple-A. He’s compiled a 3.00 ERA over 12 innings this season and has been particularly sharp lately, boasting a 1.29 ERA over his last seven innings.
Armed with a 94.4 mph fastball and a sharp 85 mph slider, Sandridge has shown the ability to keep hitters guessing. His breaking ball could prove especially useful against tough left-handed hitters late in games.
With limited left-handed bullpen depth, the 26-year-old brings fresh potential and a power arm that could earn him a longer stay in the majors — if he can keep opposing lineups off balance as he has in the minors.
More Injury Trouble Hits the Yankees
In a separate blow, the Yankees also moved utility man Oswald Cabrera to the 60-day IL after he suffered a fractured ankle. Cabrera’s versatility has been key for the team, and losing him limits their flexibility across the infield.
With injuries now affecting both the bullpen and the lineup, the Yankees are testing their depth across the board. The pressure is mounting — especially with an offense that’s already cooled off — and it’s starting to feel familiar.
As summer approaches, the Yankees find themselves once again navigating injury turbulence at a critical stretch of the season.
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