Will Warren has emerged as a potential bullpen asset for the New York Yankees as they approach the postseason, offering depth and versatility in relief roles. The right-handed pitcher made his final regular-season appearance out of the bullpen on Friday, delivering 3⅓ scoreless innings in the Yankees’ 6-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles during the second game of a doubleheader.
Warren impressed with seven strikeouts in 11 outs recorded, totaling 13 strikeouts on 28 swings, showcasing the swing-and-miss ability that could prove valuable as the Yankees prepare for the American League Wild Card Series and beyond. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized Warren’s potential impact, stating the right-hander "can be big for us moving forward in the postseason, and in different roles."
With established relievers Brent Headrick and Paul Blackburn expected to be key components bridging to closer David Bednar in late innings, the Yankees are seeking additional bullpen support. Warren’s recent uptick in velocity and overall effectiveness in the past month positions him as a candidate to fill that need. He concluded the regular season with a 3.92 ERA.
“I feel like as a starter, you’re supposed to get both sides of the plate out, so I think that would be pretty big for us,” Warren said, noting examples of Blackburn and Headrick succeeding in similar roles. The club limited Warren to 54 pitches Friday, his third relief appearance of the season, ensuring his availability for Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox, with the flexibility to provide extended innings if necessary.
The doubleheader was played under challenging conditions impacted by a nor’easter, which contributed to some defensive lapses in the outfield for the Yankees. Baltimore took the opener 10-2, featuring two home runs by former Mets star Pete Alonso, including a 471-foot blast that led him to take sole possession of the American League home run lead with 43 on the season.
In the first game, center fielder Spencer Jones misplayed a fly ball that resulted in an inside-the-park home run for Orioles’ Jeremiah Jackson. Meanwhile, right fielder Heliot Ramos dropped a fly ball in the second game. Despite these miscues, the Yankees’ offense came alive late in Game 2, with contributions from Anthony Volpe, who hit a two-run double, and two hits each by Ben Rice and Ryan McMahon.
The Yankees currently hold a 93-68 record and await confirmation on whether a Game 162 will be played Sunday, as weather conditions remain uncertain. Warren’s bullpen emergence offers the team some added assurance as they prepare for the postseason against Boston.