This season, the Yankees’ bullpen have covered most of their innings pitched. As of Friday afternoon, 53% of all Yankee innings this year have been handled by relievers, compared to a 2020 MLB average of 46%.
Despite leaning heavily on their relievers, manager Aaron Boone has taken an egalitarian approach to shouldering the increased burden. Through ten games, the 2020 Yankee relievers have a strong 3.31 ERA (8th), but their elite relievers have been weighed down by a number of replacement-level arms. The Yankees’ traditionally deep pen has quietly shrunk over the past couple seasons, with the departures of Dellin Betances, David Robertson, and Adam Warren noticeable.