The New York Yankees acquired closer Camilo Doval from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline, hoping to bolster their bullpen. However, since joining the Yankees, Doval’s performance has faltered significantly, exposing challenges the Giants had long experienced with him.
Doval’s debut appearance for the Yankees was disappointing, as he blew a save opportunity, and his recent outing against the Boston Red Sox saw him surrender an earned run with hits, a walk, and a balk. The struggles continue to pile up as the Yankees grow increasingly concerned about his inconsistency.
Yankees Face Challenges With Doval’s Declining Performance
Currently, Camilo Doval has posted a troubling 7.36 ERA across 7⅓ innings pitched for the Yankees, allowing nine hits and seven walks while striking out eight. His difficulty maintaining control and consistency has led to boos from the New York crowd, a reflection of the pressure he faces. Notably, he has not been deployed in the traditional closer role but instead brought in earlier, indicating tentative management of his appearances.
The Giants witnessed the full spectrum of Doval’s career since his major league debut in 2021. At his peak, he was regarded as one of the game’s premier closers, outstanding for his electrifying fastball and sharp slider, which earned him an All-Star selection. However, the Giants also saw periods when he struggled to find the strike zone, resulting in a temporary demotion to Triple-A as he worked to regain control.
Understanding the Roots of Doval’s Current Struggles
The version of Doval the Yankees inherited resembles his 2024 form rather than his stronger performances in 2023 or the first half of 2025. For a franchise aiming for postseason success, this downturn is a cause of considerable frustration. The inconsistency and mental lapses he exhibits are issues that Giants fans had already come to expect based on past seasons.
Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow once described Doval’s tendencies as getting a “wild hair up his nose,” a colorful way to express the pitcher’s occasional mental mistakes during pressure situations. These difficulties have become more pronounced, particularly with the added stress of the pitch clock, which has affected many pitchers league-wide. New York’s passionate media environment and demanding fanbase only add to the challenge of integrating quickly.
Adjusting to New Pressure and a Different Role in New York
Adapting midseason to a team like the Yankees is notoriously difficult given the intense spotlight. The pressure to perform consistently is immense, and the early signs suggest Doval is still finding his footing. His recent game against the Red Sox epitomized these troubles, where after recording a groundout, he allowed an infield single, committed a balk, walked a batter, and then gave up a game-tying RBI single. The reaction from the crowd was audible as boos rang out while manager Aaron Boone signaled to the bullpen.
“Camilo Doval’s struggles with the #Yankees continue. He comes in and after a groundout, he gave up an infield single, he balked, he walked a batter and then allowed a game-tying RBI single.Doval heard some boos coming off the mound as Aaron Boone called to the bullpen.” —Max Goodman, Sports Reporter
Since Doval’s departure, the Giants have also experienced instability in the ninth inning. Randy Rodríguez, who has stepped into that bullpen role, has faced his own challenges adapting to closer duties, illustrating how the closer position remains difficult regardless of the player. Rodríguez still has time to settle in, but his struggles underscore the pressures inherent in closing games at the highest level.
What Lies Ahead for Doval and the Yankees
The Yankees must decide if Camilo Doval can overcome his current slump and regain the form that made him a sought-after closer. If his difficulties persist, the team may opt to part ways, similar to the Giants’ previous decision. This situation serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of relievers and the fine line between success and failure in high-leverage roles.
In the coming weeks, Yankees fans and management will closely monitor Doval’s adjustments, hoping he can stabilize and contribute meaningfully down the stretch. His ability to handle the pressure of New York’s spotlight and refine his control will largely determine whether he becomes a valuable asset or another midseason trade candidate.