Yankees have 'mixed bag' Tim Hill bullpen problem

Jul 15, 2026 - 18:45

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Yankees have 'mixed bag' Tim Hill bullpen problem originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Yankees are preparing to buy at this year's trade deadline.

Their roster needs for the second half of the season are clear.

First, acquiring a right-handed-hitting catcher to take the starter's role or platoon with Austin Wells is a necessity. The Yankees would actively hurt their World Series chances if they didn't add another backstop.

Secondly, manager Aaron Boone's bullpen could use "at least one more high-leverage reliever," writes The Athletic's Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty.

To the surprise of many, the Yankees' 3.10 bullpen ERA is the best in the American League. But closer David Bednar needs more help.

Camilo Doval is erratic despite featuring nasty stuff. Left-hander Tim Hill has his own set of problems, though there is one strong facet of his game.

"Outside of those four, the Yankees’ bullpen is a mixed bag. Doval has the highest upside, but he hasn’t had sustained success because of his struggles against lefties," Kirschner and Kuty wrote.

The four relievers mentioned that can be trusted are Bednar, Fernando Cruz, Brent Headrick, and Paul Blackburn.

"Tim Hill is unhittable against lefties but can’t pitch against righties. It’s hard to envision him having a role in the postseason," The Athletic duo added. "Jake Bird, Ryan Yarbrough, and Angel Chivilli are the lowest on the bullpen trust tree."

Lefties are batting .185 with a .507 OPS in 81 at-bats against Hill this season. Right-handers are faring much better, hitting .333 with a 1.033 OPS in 54 at-bats.

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Essentially, Hill's struggles against righty hitters restrict him to certain lanes in the opposing team's batting order.

Subsequently, that forces Boone to use more bullpen arms over the course of a game.

Perhaps the front office will be looking at lefty relievers with neutral splits near the deadline.

For now, it's not an ideal situation for Hill or the Yankees.