NEW YORK — Tuesday night made the New York Yankees’ decision not to add at least one high-leverage reliever at the trade deadline look questionable at best, and befuddling at worst.Brent Headrick, who has been lights out and one of MLB’s best relievers, allowed a season-high three runs against the Houston Astros in a 9-7 loss. Headrick came into Tuesday’s game having allowed just five runs over his last 44 appearances. All relievers have less-than-stellar outings. But a concerning trend continued for the Yankees.Two innings before Headrick blew a 6-5 lead in the eighth, Fernando Cruz allowed a two-run home run to Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña. It was the latest poor outing for Cruz, who is supposed to be one of New York’s most-trusted high-leverage relievers. Since the All-Star break, Cruz has a 5.52 ERA and a 7.38 FIP and has allowed five home runs.“There’s ups and downs like every player has,” Cruz said of his recent struggles. “It’s been a lot of stuff regarding that, that we’re on top of. Just gotta be better. It’s gonna come. My splitter hasn’t been as effective. A little bit of a mechanical change. We’re playing (against) Major League Baseball players, and they’re really good at it. I think they made the change. Now we have to adjust.”
Yankees’ bullpen has a major crack ahead of October. Can it be fixed?
Brent Headrick and Fernando Cruz had outings that prompt — or sustain — concern about the relief staff in a loss to the Astros.






