Overview
- The Yankees surrendered an 11-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins on July 4 after Doval allowed a 27-pitch eighth inning that produced four runs and a two-run homer by Josh Bell.
- Manager Aaron Boone said execution against left-handed batters is critical and called that part of Doval's game a clear struggle in the outing.
- This season Doval has a reported 4.81 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 33.2 innings, and left-handed hitters have posted starkly better results against him, hitting as high as .355 in coverage.
- An Athletic insider tweeted that Doval 'cannot be trusted in any big spot' and urged the Yankees to add a high-leverage reliever to stabilize late-game situations, a view amplified by fans on social media.
- The loss extended New York's slide to eight losses in nine games and raises a near-term roster question over whether the club will promote internal bullpen options or acquire outside relief help before the trade deadline.