With the August 2 trade deadline quickly approaching, the bullpen has a glaring depth issue with the loss of King.
Michael King was having a breakout season for the Yankees as a key piece to their bullpen. Serving as a bridge between the starters and closer Clay Holmes, King emerged as one of the league’s best relievers.
Friday night in Baltimore, King exited the Yankees 7-6 win over the Orioles in the bottom of the eighth inning after throwing a pitch to Ramon Urias.
On Saturday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed King won’t pitch again in 2022.
The 27-year old King pitched to a 2.29 ERA and excelled in multiple roles this season for Boone. In the bridge role, he basically took over the spot Chad Green has thrived in the past few seasons. The Yankees lost Green in May to Tommy John surgery.
First Green, now King. The bullpen was at one point the strength of the Yankees. Now, there’s legitimate reason for concern. Holmes has been lights out as the closer. However, Aroldis Chapman and Jonathan Loaisiga have underwhelmed this season.
A weak bullpen puts added strain on the starting rotation — which has looked shaky in recent weeks. The high-powered offense for the Yankees stalled against the Houston Astros, a team many expect will be waiting for them in the playoffs.
There’s no doubt it, the Yankees will miss King. Losing him is a body blow to their season. Look for general manager Brian Cashman to make upgrading the bullpen a high priority in the next couple of weeks.
Main Image: Nick Wass / AP
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
Baseline Sports NY is on Twitter @Baseline_NY
