Aceves’s setback opens door for Yankees prospects: Sanchez, Nova

Alfredo Aceves suffered yet another setback yesterday in his attempted return from the DL. This got me back to thinking of my idea from a few weeks ago: Call up Romulo Sanchez or Ivan Nova.

On the current roster, nobody outside of Mariano Rivera has an ERA less than 4.00! Meanwhile, Sanchez and Nova are making huge strides in Triple-A.

As River Ave. Blues speculates, Sanchez was scratched from his start last night to prepare him for a relief role in the majors, making him the more likely call up. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing a hit and striking out three with no walks.

Let’s face it, the Yankees bullpen has been like a game of Russian roulette this year. For the team with the best record in baseball, a middle-of-the-road bullpen is unsatisfactory.

I’ve been preaching here for a while now for the Yankees to get help for the bullpen at this year’s trade deadline, but Brian Cashman has made improving the bench a higher priority.

Sergio Mitre, who has been the most effective reliever other than Mo, could make a return before the end of July.