The New York Yankees are calling up a right-handed reliever as they chase the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East.
The New York Yankees are calling up right-handed reliever Bradley Hanner from Triple-A. Hanner has played well in Triple-A in the 2026 season, posting a 2.10 ERA with 61 strikeouts, 24 walks, and a 1.169 WHIP.
The 27-year-old will make his MLB debut when he is called out of the bullpen for the Yankees.
New York could use some more depth out of the bullpen before closer David Bednar shuts things down. Bednar is having a great season, as he has converted 26 of 28 save attempts. He holds a 2.61 ERA with 58 strikeouts, 17 walks, and a 1.045 WHIP.
The two-time All-Star has been great in closing the door for the Yankees, but adding an arm like Hanner could help the bullpen improve prior to the ninth inning.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectNew York has a talented roster, but they haven't showcased their full potential with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger missing time due to injuries. When they return to the lineup, the Yankees could make a push to win the AL East.
New York currently holds a 66-52 record, putting them six games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the division. It will be a difficult climb to pass the Rays, but the Yankees would benefit from passing them, as it would likely make them the top seed in the American League.
Judge is one of the best players in the world, as he was slashing .248/.375/.533 with 17 home runs, 10 doubles, 38 RBIs, 43 runs, and a .907 OPS across 59 games.
Bellinger has had a solid year as he was named an All-Star, slashing .259/.350/.420 with 11 home runs, 21 doubles, 53 RBIs, 52 runs, and a .770 OPS across 102 games.
Stanton is the biggest question mark when he returns to the lineup, as he's struggled with injuries in recent years. The 36-year-old has appeared in 24 games in the 2026 season, slashing .256/.302/.422 with three home runs, six doubles, 14 RBIs, eight runs, and a .724 OPS.
While the Yankees have been without their sluggers, they still hold one of the best records in the AL and could make a deep playoff run when their stars return, and more help comes in the bullpen with Hanner's call-up.
