Andrew Bailey was once regarded as one of the game’s up and coming lockdown closers. He captured the AL Rookie-of-the-Year award in 2009 and made the all-star team in his first two seasons. Over that span, he accumulated a 1.70 ERA with 51 saves while giving up 83 hits in 132.1 IP.
In the winter of 2011, Bailey was traded to the Red Sox and began the following season on the disabled list after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his right thumb. He began 2013 as a middle reliever, but was ultimately sidelined after 30 games with a torn capsule and damaged labrum in his throwing shoulder.
Bailey underwent surgery on July 24, 2013. On Wednesday, he returns to the mound after a 20 month hiatus, and he could be the Yankees’ secret weapon.
The Yankees signed Bailey, now 30 years old, back in March of last year, then re-signed him to another minor league deal this past November after they originally declined his option. The move was always seen as a look to the future. The future is now, as Bailey hopes to get his career back on track.
The Yankees’ bullpen is already their biggest strength. If they were to add a healthy Bailey at some point this year, it would give them a huge boost. They would technically have three guys capable of closing out games – Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Bailey. This gives manager Joe Girardi plenty of options throughout the season, which would be especially good if any of the aforementioned guys needed to rest for a day or two.
Bailey’s return is far from a sure thing, however. Unlike Tommy John surgeries, shoulder operations aren’t yet perfected. The shoulder is a complex joint, and often times pitchers never recover 100 percent. Earlier last week, CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reported that Bailey was doing just fine.
Andrew bailey has been lights out in comeback attempt. Yankees pen should be great. Wilson warren carpenter betances miller
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) March 11, 2015
In an era in baseball that has seen offense drop, any successful team now seems to have great defense and a great bullpen. The Yankees have spent the entire offseason making sure their defense is rock solid. They went out and signed one of the best relievers on the market. The addition of Bailey can only improve the team. The baseball world is excited to see what he looks like. We should get our first glimpse of him Wednesday afternoon when he debuts against the Braves.Â
Andrew Bailey will make his spring debut – his first appearance in 20 months – on Wednesday vs. Braves at Disney. — Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) March 17, 2015
