Camilo Doval has been trying to rediscover his All-Star form for years now, but there will come a time when fans have to ask themselves if this right-handed pitcher has any chance of regaining such status. Many have already written him off. Although he has flashed glimpses of his past self, Doval is one of the least reliable high-leverage relievers in MLB this season. The New York Yankees (45-28) just experienced this startling reality once again.
The 2023 National League saves leader allowed a tie-breaking, pinch-hitting grand slam to Chicago White Sox designated hitter and outfielder Andrew Benintendi in the top of the eighth inning. New York had no response and picked up a 5-1 loss in the series finale. Doval was not responsible for the bases-loaded jam, as Fernando Cruz surrendered a lead-off double and Tim Hill hit back-to-back batters, but he definitely maximized the damage.
The 28-year-old Dominican watched his first pitch of the evening, a 99 mph sinker, go 393 feet and over the right center field wall in Yankee Stadium. He was charged with one earned run in 1 2/3 innings of work and now owns an ugly 5.08 ERA for the season. Nevertheless, Doval is choosing to preach positivity.
“Slumps are part of the game,” he said, per Gary Phillips of New York Daily News Sports. “As baseball players, we all go through them. I’m not exactly getting the results that I expect of myself at this moment, but I know they’re coming. I feel it. I know a good streak is coming.”
Camilo Doval is right about baseball being fickle, but it is hard for the fan base to trust him moving forward. He will have his moments — had not given up a run in his last five appearances entering Thursday’s game versus the White Sox — but the former San Francisco Giants closer has a near-5.00 ERA since joining the Yankees last summer and is struggling mightily against left-handed hitters.
It is obviously important for a pitcher to have confidence, but until Doval can string together an impactful month, most people will likely just dismiss his latest comments as false hope.
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