The Yankees, just like all teams at this point in the season, have holes on their 25-man roster. With the release of Tommy Layne, who was immediately claimed off the waiver wire, the team is functioning without a lefty relief specialist.
They’re also continuing to operate with a sub-par, but adequate, first baseman. And if Jacoby Ellsbury continues to have lingering effects from the concussion he suffered, a distinct possibility, the team is going to need a fourth outfielder.
And if last night’s performance by Masahiro Tanaka in Anaheim proves to only be a positive blip on the radar, the Yankees could need another starting pitcher down the road.