Brian Cashman Adds Another Infielder as Yankees Pitching Crisis

Brian Cashman got creative. After weeks of listening to rumors about a blockbuster third base upgrade, the Yankees GM struck twice in 48 hours with a creative solution to his infield issues. He landed Ryan McMahon on Friday from the Rockies, and Saturday, he traded for Amed Rosario from the Nationals.

No, it’s not Manny Machado and Mookie Betts. But it’s smart and creative. 

McMahon, a left-handed bat with power and defensive range, slides in as the likely starter at third base. Rosario, a righty utility man who’s slashing .299/.333/.483 against left-handed pitching this season, gives Aaron Boone flexibility. He’s appeared at second, third, shortstop, and even outfield this year. And with Jazz Chisholm Jr. and McMahon both batting lefty, Rosario’s ability to spot start or platoon gives the Yankees their best infield depth of the season.

It’s the kind of balanced, low-cost fix Cashman has leaned on in past deadlines. And sometimes it even works.

Does the front office think this version of the Yankees is worth a bigger investment, particularly after the news that Aaron Judge is heading to the injured list with a right elbow injury? 

Because if the Yankees are going for it, we all know the infield isn’t what’s going to sink them. It’s the pitching.

The Yankees bullpen ranks 23rd in both innings and ERA. The rotation is being held together with hope and prayers at this point. Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt are out for the season. Luis Gil is still at least 10 days away from his season debut. And now, Judge is on the IL with a flexor strain.

This team is leading the Wild Card race, but it doesn’t feel safe. At one point they were leading the American League East race too, and now they are six games back. It feels like a team that’s two weeks away from burning out its arms if no help arrives.

McMahon and Rosario filled a need. They might even end up as low-key wins.

But if this deadline ends without an impact reliever and a starter the Yankees may have addressed the wrong crisis.

And with Judge out and October looming, this team can’t afford to miss the point.