May 18, 2026
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Episode 480: The Bullpen is a Dumpster Fire
EJ and Andy talk about how to fix the Yankees broken bullpen, plus Austin Wells, Ryan McMahon and Spencer Jones.
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Lagrange threw 120 innings last season
I'm not sure that, if the organization, is determined to use him in relief in the bigs this season, that it's wise to wait until he's thrown 100 innings while starting in the minors
30 innings in MLB relief is reasonable, but the Yankees might want another 10 innings from him in post-season play.
the organization might not want him pitching in stressful post-season games while he's a little bit tired.
this is a tough one and it's not easy to chart an ideal course
other than in theory.
The 2026 Yankees were constructed like the last several versions, always with holes that they don't try to really fill. Since Cashman got rid of Girardi, Pena, and tied Rothschild's hands, the bullpen construction has only gotten worse. Sam Briend was hired after the 2019 season, the first step in making over his pitching was coached. Well the Yankees have drafted and put two guys in the Yankees rotation, Great! But in an era where you have 8 man bullpens. AND are trading for relievers every doggone trade deadline, or picking guys up off the scrap heap, trying to find the gem, but have yet to have pitcher who has become a mainstay in the bullpen. WHY IS THIS SO…