The New York Yankees, grappling with an inconsistent bullpen, have made a pivotal roster adjustment following a challenging 11-10 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. In a bid to fortify their pitching staff, the team has recalled experienced right-handed reliever Yerry De los Santos from their Triple-A affiliate, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. This move comes as Jake Bird, another right-handed pitcher, has been optioned down after a series of less-than-stellar appearances, highlighting the Yankees' urgency to find reliable relief options early in the season.
Yankees Shuffle Bullpen: De los Santos Joins the Ranks, Bird Optioned to Triple-A
In the aftermath of a strenuous 11-10 slugfest against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday, April 13, 2026, the New York Yankees wasted no time in addressing their pitching concerns. The decision was made to demote right-handed pitcher Jake Bird to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Bird, who was acquired from the Colorado Rockies prior to the 2025 Trade Deadline with high expectations, has struggled to find his form, evidenced by a 7.71 ERA over seven innings pitched this season. His recent difficulties, particularly in a blown lead against the Marlins on April 5th and a tough outing against the Angels, sealed his return to the minor leagues.
Stepping into the void left by Bird is Yerry De los Santos, a familiar face to the Yankees organization. The 28-year-old right-hander, who previously pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2022-23, has been a reliable depth option in the Yankees' Triple-A system. Last season, De los Santos made 25 appearances for the Yankees, delivering 35.2 innings as a middle reliever with a respectable 3.38 ERA and 3.44 FIP. This season, he impressed in 9.1 innings for the RailRiders, allowing only two runs on six hits, while striking out 13 and maintaining a 1.93 ERA with a 0.964 WHIP. His consistent performance made him the preferred choice over other candidates like Angel Chivilli and Kervin Castro, as the Yankees opted for a player already on their 40-man roster with proven experience.
This strategic bullpen adjustment underscores the Yankees' commitment to optimizing their roster for sustained success. The call-up of De los Santos offers a ray of hope for the team's bullpen, providing a potentially more stable and effective option in high-leverage situations. His past performance and current form suggest he could be a crucial asset as the Yankees navigate the demands of a long season, offering Aaron Boone and his staff a reliable arm to turn to when the game is on the line. This move reflects a proactive approach to team management, ensuring that every component of the roster is performing at its peak.
