Overview
- Doval has allowed six earned runs in 7 1/3 innings over nine outings with New York, posting a 7.36 ERA with seven walks and two blown saves.
- He has been used in the sixth and seventh innings rather than as a traditional closer and says he is still learning to get ready earlier for those spots.
- Aaron Boone met with Doval and interpreter Marlon Abreu to clarify expectations, with pitching coach Matt Blake stressing improved strike-throwing.
- The revamped bullpen has been inconsistent since the deadline, as David Bednar has mostly handled closing duties, Devin Williams has wobbled, and Jake Bird was sent to Triple-A.
- The Yankees traded four prospects to acquire Doval, who arrives with late-inning pedigree and multiple years of team control, increasing the urgency to get him right.