Will Warren Embraces Relief Role for Yankees' Playoff Push

Will Warren is positioning himself as a key contributor out of the bullpen for the New York Yankees as they head into the playoffs. The right-handed pitcher made his final regular-season appearance in relief on Friday, pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings in the Yankees’ 6-3 victory over the Orioles, a performance that manager Aaron Boone believes could be significant for the team's postseason aspirations.

Warren's outing against the Orioles showcased his potential value, as he recorded seven of his 11 outs via strikeouts and generated 13 whiffs on 28 swings. This ability to miss bats is precisely the kind of skill the Yankees' bullpen may need as they navigate the American League Wild Card Series and beyond.

"He can be big for us moving forward in the postseason, and in different roles," Boone stated. While the Yankees have established arms like Brent Headrick and Paul Blackburn to bridge the gap to closer David Bednar, additional reliable options are crucial. Warren's recent uptick in velocity and overall stuff suggests he could provide that needed support.

"I feel like as a starter, you’re supposed to get both sides of the plate out, so I think that would be pretty big for us," Warren said. "You see Blackburn do it, you see Headrick do it, so whenever my name’s called, I’ll be ready to go." He finished the regular season with a 3.92 ERA.

The team managed Warren's workload, limiting him to 54 pitches on Friday. This approach ensures he will be available for Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Red Sox and provides the potential for him to offer multiple innings if required.

"I felt good — a little less blackout this time," Warren quipped, referencing a previous relief appearance earlier in the month against the Padres.

The Yankees split their doubleheader with the Orioles, losing the first game 10-2 before winning the nightcap. The offensive performance in the second game included a two-run double from Anthony Volpe and multiple hits from Ben Rice and Ryan McMahon. The Yankees concluded the regular season with a 93-68 record. The possibility of playing a makeup game on Sunday remained uncertain due to weather forecasts.

In other news from the doubleheader, former Met Pete Alonso hit two home runs for the Orioles, including a 471-foot blast that brought his season total to 43, leading the American League. The Yankees also experienced some defensive lapses in the outfield during the twin bill, with outfielders Spencer Jones and Heliot Ramos making miscues that led to significant plays for the Orioles.