Yankees Release Pitcher Brubaker After Trade Deadline Bullpen Overhaul

The New York Yankees have made significant changes to their bullpen following a challenging road trip and the recent trade deadline. JT Brubaker, who was acquired from the Pirates in March 2024 but struggled with injuries including Tommy John surgery and fractured ribs, was designated for assignment and subsequently released, despite posting a 3.38 ERA in 12 games. The roster adjustments coincided with the return of Mark Leiter Jr. from the injured list and involved optioning Jake Bird to Triple-A after Bird struggled in three appearances with a 27.00 ERA. Bird, along with David Bednar and Camilo Doval, were key acquisitions aimed at strengthening the bullpen for the postseason push, though Bird's demotion is intended to help him reset and regain effectiveness. Additionally, former Yankees pitcher JP Sears was demoted to Triple-A by the San Diego Padres after being acquired in a trade; Sears has been a durable innings-eater but with mixed performance. These moves reflect the Yankees’ efforts to optimize their bullpen depth and performance as they return home for critical upcoming games.