Yankees relievers gain new confidence following trade deadline moves
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 8, 2026, 5:00 PM
Last updated Aug 8, 2026
The New York Yankees have adjusted their bullpen after trading away Camilo Doval, Jake Bird, and Yovanny Cruz at the trade deadline. Brent Headrick and Paul Blackburn have risen in the hierarchy following the departures. David Bednar remains the team's closer with a strong showing, while Headrick has also impressed with stellar statistics. The future performance of Blackburn in high-leverage situations will be closely monitored in the coming weeks.
- •Yankees traded away three relievers before the deadline.
- •David Bednar has a 1.23 ERA in August.
- •Brent Headrick boasts a 1.00 ERA over 18 innings.
- •Paul Blackburn has transitioned successfully into a late-inning role.
- •Fernando Cruz has been effective as a middle reliever.
- 5:00 PMYahoo Sports — The Yankees Reliever Confidence Index: August Edition
"Brent Headrick and Paul Blackburn rise in the post-deadline bullpen pecking order.
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