Doval's Rough Outing Doesn't Worry Boone After Yankees' Win

Bullpen shines despite Doval's struggles in Yankees' 4-2 victory over Royals

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:18pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the delivery of a baseball pitcher, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the dynamic action of the game.A cubist interpretation of a Yankees relief pitcher's delivery captures the dynamic motion and tension of late-inning drama.Kansas City Today

Despite Camilo Doval's latest shaky performance out of the bullpen, Yankees manager Aaron Boone isn't concerned, saying the right-hander is 'close to being dialed in.' Brent Headrick and David Bednar were solid in relief as the Yankees held on for a 4-2 win over the Royals at Yankee Stadium on Friday night.

Why it matters

Doval's struggles have been a concern for the Yankees' bullpen, but Boone's confidence in the young reliever suggests the team believes he can turn things around and become a reliable late-inning option.

The details

Doval entered the game in the ninth inning with the Yankees leading 4-2 but nearly blew the save, allowing a hit and a walk before getting out of the jam. Despite the shaky outing, Boone praised Doval's stuff and strike-throwing ability, indicating the team still has faith in the hard-throwing right-hander.

  • The Yankees defeated the Royals 4-2 on Friday, April 18, 2026 at Yankee Stadium.

The players

Camilo Doval

A right-handed relief pitcher for the New York Yankees who has struggled at times this season.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

Brent Headrick

A relief pitcher for the New York Yankees who had a solid outing on Friday.

David Bednar

The closer for the New York Yankees who picked up his sixth save of the season on Friday.

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What they’re saying

“really good, sharp the strike-throwing is there.”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager

The takeaway

Despite Doval's recent struggles, the Yankees remain confident in the young reliever's ability and believe he is close to regaining his dominant form, which will be crucial for the team's bullpen as the season progresses.