Yankees Make David Bednar Announcement

Bednar has a 3.09 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 40 strikeouts and is 16-for-18 on save chances this season for the Yankees. He has not allowed a run in his last 12 appearances across 14 innings.

With Bednar out for a few days, the Yankees could turn to hard-throwing right-hander Fernando Cruz in save opportunities. However, Cruz blew Sunday night's save in extra-innings against the Red Sox, allowing two runs in the walk-off defeat. On the season, Cruz has a 2.57 ERA and is 1-for-3 in save chances.

Although Bednar shouldn't be gone for too long, the Yankees' bullpen is super thin. With how dominant Bednar has been, along with the team's recent skid, the Yankees can't afford to be without their closer.

Regardless of having Bednar, who has been spotless lately, the Yankees and GM Brian Cashman will have to go out and acquire bullpen help ahead of the MLB trade deadline on August 3. The Yankees landed Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade at last year's deadline.

As for Bird, this is the second time the Yankees have recalled him from Triple-A this year. Bird has had a rough go since the Yankees acquired him from the Colorado Rockies at last summer's deadline. In three appearances last season, he gave up seven runs (six earned) and was optioned to the minors. In 29 appearances in 2026, Bird has a 4.88 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and .269 batting average against. He's 0-for-3 in save opportunities.

The Yankees have a 48-35 record, but squandered away their lead in the American League East division. They enter play on Monday a game behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the division. That being said, New York is leading the top AL Wild Card spot by seven games.