The New York Yankees' bullpen woes continued on Saturday, as Camilo Doval's return to a high-leverage role backfired in a 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The defeat cost the Yankees the series and raised fresh concerns about a relief corps that was expected to be a strength this season.
With the Yankees clinging to a 2-1 lead in the eighth inning, manager Aaron Boone turned to Doval—the former San Francisco Giants closer and 2023 All-Star—to protect the advantage. It was the first time in a while the flame-thrower had been asked to pitch in such a pressure-packed spot, and the results were all too familiar.
Doval entered after Brent Headrick had surrendered a solo home run to Jake Bauers in the seventh. He quickly got Jackson Chourio to pop out, but then allowed a single to Brice Turang. Known for being vulnerable against the running game, Doval watched Turang steal second before William Contreras tied the game with a single.
The Yankees fought back in the 10th when Ryan McMahon delivered a go-ahead single, but the lead was short-lived. Chourio reached on an infield single off Fernando Cruz, and Tim Hill's costly decision to throw to third after fielding a comebacker hit baserunner Luis Rengifo, loading the bases. Contreras ended the game with a sacrifice fly, handing the Yankees a series loss in Milwaukee.
While Doval wasn't the only reliever to struggle—after starter Cam Schlittler tossed six scoreless innings—his inability to handle high-leverage situations is becoming a glaring issue. The Yankees acquired Doval at last summer's trade deadline hoping he would serve as the primary setup man for closer David Bednar. Instead, he owns a 6.14 ERA and has allowed at least one earned run in seven of his last 14 appearances.
To his credit, Doval has cut down on walks—he didn't issue any on Saturday and carries a 5.0 BB%, which would be a career low—but that improvement hasn't translated into results. After a shaky first impression last season, the right-hander remains a liability when the game is on the line. For a Yankees team with championship aspirations, that's a problem that won't go away quietly.