The New York Yankees are making waves after a rough 12–5 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. Desperate to fix bullpen headaches and offensive woes, the team made a string of roster moves that really show they’re not willing to just ride out this slump.
They optioned two underperforming players to Triple-A. At the same time, they activated Ryan McMahon, a 2024 All-Star who’s got a reputation for defensive versatility.
With the July 31 trade deadline creeping up, Yankees fans can’t help but wonder what’s next. Let’s get into the details and see what these changes might mean for the Yankees as they try to right the ship.
Yankees Shuffle the Deck After Tough Loss
The Yankees’ defeat against the Phillies wasn’t just a bad night—it was a pretty glaring reminder of their problems in pitching and hitting. Reliever Scott Effross and infielder Jorbit Vivas felt the consequences, getting sent down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Effross gave up four runs in the ninth inning of Friday’s game, sending his ERA soaring to 8.44 after just 11 appearances. He’s 31 and just hasn’t found his footing, which honestly sums up the bullpen’s struggles as a whole.
Right now, the Yankees’ bullpen ranks 20th in MLB with a 4.07 ERA. That’s just not good enough for a team with playoff hopes.
Scott Effross: A Risk That Didn’t Pan Out
Effross started the season as a possible middle-innings asset, but it just hasn’t worked out. His latest meltdown against the Phillies pushed the Yankees to send him down for a reset in Triple-A.
He showed flashes of promise earlier, but he just couldn’t limit runs or give the bullpen any real momentum. It’s fair to wonder if he’ll make it back to the majors this year.
Jorbit Vivas: Offensive Struggles Continue
Vivas, a 24-year-old infielder, also got the boot after a rough season at the plate. Mostly used as a late-game substitute, Vivas hit just .161/.266/.250 over 29 games.
His defense has gotten a few nods, but his bat just hasn’t been there for a team trying to claw its way into the playoffs. Sending Vivas to Triple-A makes it clear the Yankees expect more from their young guys.
Ryan McMahon: A Strong Addition to the Active Roster
To fill the gaps, the Yankees activated third baseman Ryan McMahon, who just came over from the Colorado Rockies. McMahon brings a much-needed mix of power and defensive stability.
His .217 batting average doesn’t jump off the page, but 16 home runs and 35 RBIs this season show he can make an impact when it counts.
McMahon’s Defensive Prowess
The Yankees have had their share of defensive problems lately, so McMahon’s arrival feels like a breath of fresh air. He’s got a steady glove and quick reflexes, giving an immediate boost at third base.
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who knows a thing or two about defense, had good things to say about McMahon’s fit and his ability to mesh with the Yankees’ style.
McMahon Poised for Debut Against Phillies
Manager Aaron Boone said McMahon will be active for Saturday’s game against the Phillies. Fans will get their first look at the new guy right away.
His performance in this key matchup could set the tone for his time in pinstripes, especially with the team desperate for a spark.
Upcoming Moves Before the Trade Deadline
The trade deadline is looming on July 31, and most folks around baseball expect more moves from the Yankees. Injuries have left the bullpen thin, and Friday’s loss just made the need for reinforcements even clearer.
No one’s sure if the next addition will be a veteran closer or a steady middle-inning arm, but General Manager Brian Cashman isn’t hiding the fact that he’s doing everything he can to keep the Yankees in the playoff hunt.
What’s Next for the Yankees?
The Yankees don’t have much room for error in a packed playoff race. Bringing in Ryan McMahon helps, no doubt, but this team can’t just sit back and hope things fix themselves.
Effross and Vivas getting sent down sends a message: if you’re not producing, you’re on thin ice. With the trade deadline approaching and roster spots still in play, don’t be surprised if more changes are on the way.
Final Thoughts
The Yankees are making bold moves to shake off their recent struggles. Promoting Ryan McMahon shows they’re serious about getting better.
Meanwhile, sending Scott Effross and Jorbit Vivas down really highlights their willingness to hold players accountable. With the trade deadline creeping closer, every decision feels huge right now.
Fans might want to brace themselves—this push to October could get wild.
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees makes pair of roster moves following Phillies loss
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