Yankee relievers holding up their end so far

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 5, 2026

The New York Yankees' bullpen has exceeded expectations in the first three playoff games, allowing only one run over nearly nine innings despite offseason concerns and injuries to key relievers. With Ryan Weathers’ strong return and effective performances from internal arms like David Bednar and Paul Blackburn, the bullpen’s reliability has become a crucial asset as the team seeks to improve offensive consistency moving forward.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The New York Yankees' bullpen, initially viewed as a potential vulnerability entering the postseason, has performed admirably through the first three games of the playoffs. Despite questions surrounding relief pitching depth throughout the regular season, the Yankees' relievers have allowed just one run over 8 2/3 innings in two wins over the Boston Red Sox and a loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

General Manager Brian Cashman faced scrutiny earlier in the year for not bolstering the bullpen despite widespread expectations that an upgrade was necessary. Rather than adding new arms, the Yankees opted to rely primarily on internal options and existing relievers. Several anticipated contributors either failed to make an impact or were sidelined by injury: Clarke Schmidt pitched only once before returning to the injured list, Fernando Cruz is on the 60-day injured list, and Luis Gil struggled to establish consistency. Michael Fulmer and John Schreiber were also unable to secure significant roles heading into the postseason.

Yet, the current group of relievers has held firm. David Bednar and Paul Blackburn have been particularly effective, maintaining scoreless outings. While Brent Headrick has shown signs of diminished velocity compared to his regular-season averages—dropping from around 94.1 mph to 92.6 mph in his fastball—he has nonetheless succeeded in preventing runs during limited appearances. Will Warren also provided valuable relief work during one of the games against Boston.

Perhaps the most encouraging development was the performance of Ryan Weathers, who returned from a flexor strain to pitch a scoreless, efficient sixth inning in the latest game. Weathers threw nine pitches, inducing three groundouts, all to first base, and demonstrated control and command. Manager Aaron Boone highlighted Weathers' ability to deliver strikes and induce weak contact as a significant postseason asset. Having posted a 1.29 ERA in his final six starts before injury, the left-hander has transitioned to a relief role and appears poised to contribute further. Weathers reported feeling healthy and expected to be available on just one day of rest.

Boone’s reduced reliance on Headrick in high-leverage postseason situations underscores the importance of Weathers’ return. Headrick has recorded only two outs in the playoffs so far, and Boone has expressed some caution in deploying the lefty extensively. In one key moment, Headrick entered the eighth inning of a close game, inducing a hard-hit groundout to escape a jam despite walking two batters.

The Yankees' pitching staff overall received praise from Boone for its effectiveness on the mound, with the manager pointing to offensive struggles as the primary obstacle. As the postseason continues, New York will look to maintain bullpen stability while their lineup seeks to provide more consistent run support.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.