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Baltimore Orioles: Does Orioles’ bullpen reign supreme in 2017 AL East rankings?

By Nate Wardle

Jul 9, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) pitches during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeated Los Angeles Angels 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) pitches during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeated Los Angeles Angels 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 15, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) throws a pitch in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) throws a pitch in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

2. New York Yankees

New York Yankees’ RPs: Aroldis Chapman, Dellin Betances, Tyler Clippard, Tommy Layne, Ben Heller, Chasen Shreve, Jonathan Holder, Bryan Mitchell, Adam Warren, Jonathan Niese

The question continues for the Yankees, will they overuse Betances to the point of his arm nearly falling off to protect a soft middle of the bullpen? Chapman was not thrilled about his use in the World Series last year, leading one to believe he would prefer a lot of one-inning saves.

In 2016, Joe Girardi had Chapman, Betances and Andrew Miller until the trade deadline to use to pretty much cover the sixth through ninth innings.

Now, he has Chapman, Betances, and Clippard. Clippard is no Miller, but he is an excellent reliever in his right.

However, there has to be concern over the use of Betances and potential injury risk to the star reliever. If he remains healthy, the back three in this bullpen can cover for the lack of depth. Warren is back in New York and could be a key middle inning piece if he is not in the rotation.

The back end quality may surpass the Orioles, but the lack of depth keeps the Yankees where they finished 2016, in second.

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