Before they begin their three-game series at home in the Bronx against the Seattle Mariners, the New York Yankees made a roster move in the bullpen, recalling right-handed pitcher Bradley Hanner for Kervin Castro. Castro will head to the 15-day injured list due to right elbow neuritis.
The timing for the injury is unfortunate, as Castro has been one of the Yankees’ best relievers since coming into the fray. His first time in a pinstriped uniform was all the way back in May against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he pitched two full innings, allowed two hits, an earned run, and collected two strikeouts. And despite only having four appearances since that outing, he was excellent in all of them. On July 22nd, he pitched at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates and threw 0.2 innings, with both of his outs ending in the K column. Then, he pitched on August 3rd and 5th against the St. Louis Cardinals, hurling 1.2 and 1.0 innings, respectively. He allowed a walk in both, a hit in the first (but none in the second), and no runs. Castro also struck out two in the first outing and one in the second.
Castro’s last appearance came in the Yankees’ last game against the Atlanta Braves, where he threw six pitches — all of which were strikes — and struck out one batter with no hits allowed. His ERA before hitting the injured list was 1.42, and the Yankees’ bullpen depth will be tested for the first time since dealing four relievers over the deadline with him out.
As for Hanner, he’s been waiting in the wings for his opportunity at a big league shot, and at 27 years old, he now has his chance. Since the beginning of the season, Hanner has been making waves in the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railriders bullpen. Pinstripe Alley’s own Scott Walsh wrote about Hanner’s performance back in May. The right-hander has a 6-2 record in 2026 with the Railriders, along with a 2.10 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 51.1 innings pitched. His 17.6% B-KK% ranks 11th among all pitchers with 50 or more innings pitched, and his 1.17 WHIP ranks 10th.
The Rhoadesville, Virginia native was initially drafted by the Minnesota Twins back in the 21st round of the 2019 MLB Draft and stayed in their minor league system until December of 2022, when he was selected by Cleveland in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. After his time with Cleveland ended, he made his way up to Triple-A Columbus in 2025, then signed a minor league deal with the Yankees in 2026. Hanner was signed to a major league contract and was optioned back to Scranton in mid-July, and now he’s with the major league club before a big home series.
Losing Castro is a hit for the bullpen given his recent performances, but Hanner’s body of work suggests he deserves a shot, and it will be curious to see how manager Aaron Boone deploys him.
