New York Yankees: 5 best players in the first half of 2015
By Nick Ziegler
Jul 4, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Dellin Betances (68) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees defeated the Rays 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
One of the biggest injuries to the Yankees in the first half of the season was the loss of their closer Andrew Miller for a month. It wasn’t known until the season started that Miller was going to be the Yankees’ closer, and he has thrived in role. In the first half, Miller totaled 18 saves in 18 chances with a 1.53 ERA.
If Miller wasn’t injured, he would likely be an All-Star this season, but instead that honor went to Dellin Betances for the second straight season.
This season, Betances is 5-2 with 13 holds, seven saves, and a 1.53 ERA. Betances has been a workhorse for the Yankees, as he has pitched 47 innings. Like last season, Betances has been fantastic at striking batters out, as he has totaled 77 strikeouts in the first half.
Without Betances in the setup role and then the closer for the Yankees with the absence of Miller, the Yankees would be a lot worse off.
Next: A-Rod