Yankees Seek Bullpen Options Beyond Struggling Camilo Doval

With Doval's inconsistency, the Yankees are exploring alternatives to bolster their 8th inning setup role.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:59pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the dynamic motion of a baseball pitcher, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a vibrant color palette that evokes the explosive energy of the Yankees' bullpen.A cubist interpretation of a Yankees pitcher's explosive motion captures the dynamic energy of the bullpen's search for a reliable 8th inning setup option.NYC Today

Camilo Doval has struggled since being traded to the New York Yankees, posting a 5.67 ERA in 27 innings with the team. After another poor outing where he gave up a game-tying home run, the Yankees are looking at other options to handle the high-leverage 8th inning role beyond Doval, including Tim Hill, Fernando Cruz, and potentially moving starter Luis Gil to the bullpen.

Why it matters

The Yankees' bullpen has been a strength in recent seasons, but Doval's inconsistency has created a void in the 8th inning setup role. Finding a reliable option to bridge the gap to closer Clay Holmes is crucial for the Yankees' postseason aspirations.

The details

Doval's latest outing against the Royals started well, but he ultimately gave up a game-tying home run to Vinnie Pasquantino in the 8th inning. This continues a troubling trend for Doval, who has now allowed home runs in back-to-back appearances. On the season, he has a 7.88 ERA and has given up 7 earned runs in just 8.1 innings. The Yankees are now exploring alternatives, including veteran Tim Hill, who has a 2.55 ERA in 120 innings for the team, and hard-throwing righty Fernando Cruz, who has 82 strikeouts in 55.1 innings. Another internal option could be moving starter Luis Gil to the bullpen, where his electric stuff could play up in a relief role.

  • Doval gave up the game-tying home run to Pasquantino in the 8th inning on April 18, 2026.
  • Doval also allowed a home run in his previous outing against the Angels.

The players

Camilo Doval

A right-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees who has struggled since being traded to the team, posting a 5.67 ERA in 27 innings.

Tim Hill

A veteran left-handed reliever for the New York Yankees who has been a dependable option out of the bullpen, posting a 2.55 ERA in 120 innings for the team.

Fernando Cruz

A right-handed reliever for the New York Yankees who has one of the nastiest splitters in the game and has struck out 82 batters in 55.1 innings for the team.

Luis Gil

A starting pitcher in the Yankees' organization who could potentially be moved to the bullpen, where his electric stuff could play up in a relief role.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

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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 evaluate their bullpen options and may make a move to the 8th inning setup role in the coming weeks if Doval's struggles continue.

The takeaway

The Yankees' bullpen has been a strength in recent seasons, but Camilo Doval's inconsistency has created a void in the high-leverage 8th inning setup role. The team is exploring alternatives, including veteran Tim Hill, hard-throwing Fernando Cruz, and potentially moving starter Luis Gil to the bullpen, as they look to solidify their relief corps ahead of the postseason.