Camilo Doval’s Struggles Continue as Yankees’ Bullpen Woes Deepen
Camilo Doval, once considered a valuable addition to the Yankees’ bullpen, has faced significant challenges since his acquisition from the San Francisco Giants on July 31. Expected to secure crucial outs in high-pressure situations, Doval has instead struggled to find his footing in the Bronx. His latest underwhelming performance came during the Yankees’ 6-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox on August 21. With a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning, Doval managed only one out before allowing the tying run on two hits and a walk. This marked his third consecutive appearance where he has been scored upon, the fourth in five games, and the fifth in nine outings since joining the Yankees. His ERA with the team now stands at 7.36, a stark contrast to his 3.09 ERA with the Giants earlier this season.
Doval’s Recent Performance and Managerial Insights
Manager Aaron Boone has acknowledged Doval’s potential but emphasized the need for improvement in his ability to consistently throw strikes. Boone stated, ‘His stuff’s really good, obviously, just again it’s strike-throwing. That next level of strike-throwing that allows you to be really, really good, and really, really sharp out there.’ Despite possessing strong pitching material, Doval has not yet reached the sharpness expected of him, leading to these recent struggles.
Doval’s challenges are part of a larger issue within the Yankees’ bullpen, which has seen its share of ups and downs this season. The team traded several minor league prospects to acquire both Doval and David Bednar from the Pirates to bolster their relief corps. While Bednar has shown promise with three saves since joining the Yankees, Doval’s inconsistencies have raised concerns about the team’s ability to close out games effectively. His difficulties in adjusting to his new role and the pressures of pitching in New York seem to be significant factors in his performance.
Doval’s Adjustment and Future Prospects
Doval himself has recognized the need to adapt to his new environment. Through an interpreter, he expressed, ‘Just adjusting to the role here now. Just getting ready earlier, preparing myself earlier to go into the game. At the end of the day, I want to give 100 percent out there on the field. Sometimes the ball bounces your way and sometimes it doesn’t.’ This mentality reflects his commitment to improving and overcoming the current slump.
Despite his recent struggles, Doval’s track record with the Giants, where he accumulated 107 saves over five seasons, suggests that he has the potential to turn his performance around. The key will be his ability to embrace the pressures of pitching in New York and refine his strike-throwing consistency. With time and adjustment, Doval could yet become the reliable setup man the Yankees envisioned when they acquired him.
Conclusion: Can Doval Rediscover His Form?
Camilo Doval’s early struggles with the Yankees have raised questions about his ability to thrive in the high-stakes environment of the Bronx. However, given his past successes and the positive outlook from his manager, there remains optimism that he can regain his form. The coming games will be crucial for Doval to prove his value and help the Yankees secure crucial wins down the stretch.
The Yankees’ bullpen, with Doval and Bednar at its core, still has the potential to stabilize and become a strength for the team. For now, fans must wait and see if Doval can overcome his current challenges and become the key contributor the Yankees believed he would be when they traded for him this summer. Only time will tell, but the hope remains that Doval’s best days in pinstripes are yet to come.
