Doval's Struggles Don't Worry Boone: 'Close to Being Dialed In'

Yankees manager confident closer will regain consistency despite recent home run issues

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:59am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into overlapping geometric shapes in muted earth tones, conveying the nuances and challenges of the closer role in Major League Baseball.Doval's recent struggles with home runs have exposed the complexity of the closer role, as the Yankees continue to trust the right-hander to find his form.NYC Today

Despite Camilo Doval's recent struggles, including giving up a game-tying home run to the Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino, Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence that the right-hander is close to regaining his form as the team's setup man.

Why it matters

Doval was expected to be a key part of the Yankees' bullpen this season, but his recent poor outings have raised concerns. Boone's continued support for the pitcher suggests the team believes he can turn things around and play a crucial role down the stretch.

The details

Doval has allowed seven runs in six innings over his last seven appearances, including home runs to Mike Trout and Pasquantino. Boone acknowledged Doval has 'missed in the slug zone' but said 'the three outs around that were really good' and that he's 'close to being dialed in.' The manager said the team has no choice but to keep going to Doval, who has the 'equipment to get it done' if he can just find more consistency.

  • Doval gave up a home run to Mike Trout in a loss to the Angels in his previous outing on April 15.
  • On April 17, Doval gave up a game-tying home run to Vinnie Pasquantino in the Yankees' 4-2 win over the Royals.

The players

Camilo Doval

A right-handed relief pitcher for the New York Yankees who has struggled with consistency recently, allowing seven runs in six innings over his last seven appearances.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who expressed confidence that Doval is close to regaining his form as the team's setup man.

Vinnie Pasquantino

A player for the Kansas City Royals who hit a game-tying home run off Doval in the Yankees' 4-2 win on April 17.

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What they’re saying

“He missed in the slug zone, but the three outs around that were really good. I know he's gotten hurt with a couple of long balls. He's close to being dialed in.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager, New York Yankees

What’s next

The Yankees will continue to rely on Doval in high-leverage situations as they look for him to regain his consistency and become a key part of their bullpen.

The takeaway

Boone's continued support for Doval suggests the Yankees believe the right-hander has the talent to turn things around, even as he has struggled with home runs recently. The team's willingness to stick with him reflects their confidence that he can rediscover the form that made him a key setup man.