New York Yankees: 7 Important Needs for the Second Half

6: Andrew Miller’s Left Arm

Jun 3, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Andrew Miller (48) throws out pitch in the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

On June 10th Andrew Miller was place on the DL for a strained left forearm. The Yankees are holding their breath because, arguably their biggest strength so far this season has been Dellin Betances and Miller at the back-end of the bullpen.

In 26.1 innings pitched, Miller has a 1.03 ERA, 43 strikeouts, 10 walks and 17 saves. He has been unhittable (just 8 hits given up on the year) and everything the Yankees could have asked for when they signed him to a 4-year $36-million contract. Now there is some trouble on the horizon, because Miller is hurt and Girardi plans on moving everyone back in the bullpen.

Betances will jump into the closer role flawlessly, because he has been just as good, if not better than Miller (32.1 innings, 0.28 ERA, 54 strikeouts and 10 walks), but it forces others to step up into more important roles. It was pretty much a sure win, if the Yankees got to the 8th and 9th innings with a lead, because of Betances and Miller. Now there will be some uncertainty. A forearm strain can sometimes mean more severe injuries on the horizon and the Yankees need to hope that isn’t the case with Miller.

Next: 7: Weak AL East