The New York Yankees have lost closer Andrew Miller to a forearm injury and now the reliever will be on the disabled list while recovering and that means Joe Girardi likely will use Dellin Betances in late-game situations until Miller returns.
The Yankees have been getting some great pitching out of Miller and with Betances he has made for the best one-two punch in the league. According to Hardball Talk, Miller will be on the disabled list with a strained forearm muscle and the team will continue to monitor how his arm feels over the next week. Miller has been one of the best relief pitchers in baseball, putting up a 1.03 ERA with 17 saves and 43 strikeouts in 26 innings pitched.
Miller was one of the key signings in free agency for the Yankees this year, as the team lost David Robertson to the Chicago White Sox. Miller has taken over for Robertson seamlessly and while Girardi has not officially named a closer, the fact that Miller signed a four year deal for $36 million makes him one. Betances is probably the best "second option" to step in as a closer in the league, as some suggested last year he could take over for Robertson without the Yankees even signing Miller.
Betances comes in with a 0.28 ERA this season with 54 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings and he has been as impressive as any reliever in the league. The Yankees bullpen has been one of the strengths for the team this year and it's one of the main reasons why they are in first place in the AL East. The bullpen has been pitching well and they are deep with Justin Wilson, Esmil Rogers, Chasen Shreve, Jacob Lindgren and Chris Capuano behind Betances.
Betances is obviously a major pickup if he is even available in any leagues, while Alex Rodriguez should get a look for anyone who needs offense. A-Rod has been very solid for the Yankees and he is hitting .270 this season with 11 home runs and 29 RBIs in 196 at-bats for the team. Rodriguez just went 4-for-5 and had an RBI against the Angels and he has been consistent this season despite missing all of last year with a suspension. A-Rod is worth a flier especially with injuries piling up.
The Yankees are currently in first place in the AL East and the team has played above expectations. Losing Miller for an extended period is tough, but Miller said that his issue is not serious and he just needs some time to get fully healthy. Miller has been fantastic for the Yankees and the team hopes Betances can take over seamlessly.