Yankees Bullpen Shakeup: Headrick Injured, Winans Recalled

In the days leading up to the Yankees' series opener against the Rays on August 21, 2025, the team's bullpen underwent a shakeup. Left-hander Brent Headrick was placed on the 15-day injured list with a forearm concussion, leaving the Yankees short-handed for the first game of the series.

Despite the roster change, the Yankees managed to cruise to a 13-3 victory over the Rays. Left-hander Carlos Rodon turned in a strong start, allowing just one run over six innings, while the Yankees' offense exploded for a franchise-record tying 9 home runs.

The following day, the Yankees were back to a full roster, with right-hander Allan Winans called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to provide long relief options. Winans, who has had a fantastic season in the minors, has made three previous appearances with the Yankees this year, though his results have been mixed.

In other roster news, right-handed reliever Fernando Cruz, who has been out since late June with an oblique strain, could be activated from the injured list as soon as Friday, August 25. Cruz recently made a rehab appearance at Double-A, where he looked much better than in his previous Triple-A outings.

As the Yankees continue to navigate their roster and bullpen, they will look to build on their series-opening victory and maintain their position in the competitive American League East race.