Heading into play on Thursday afternoon, the New York Yankees have the best record in the MLB at 51-25. Despite that, the injury bug is beginning to hit them pretty hard, particularly when it comes to their bullpen. So, that led to the front office going out and adding some reinforcements in an effort to stay ahead of their mounting injuries.

New York's bullpen woes were on full display in their 7-6 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night, as the unit couldn't successfully cover the final five innings of the game after Gerrit Cole twirled four solid frames in his first start of the year. As a result, the team opted to sign veteran left-handed reliever Tim Hill, who was recently designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox.

Via Jeff Passan:

“Veteran reliever Tim Hill and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a one-year deal, sources tell ESPN. The 34-year-old left-hander was DFA'd by the White Sox last week and will join a banged-up Yankees bullpen.”

Yankees hoping Tim Hill can find a role in their bullpen

Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Tim Hill (54) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at T-Mobile Park.
Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Hill has been in the majors since 2018, spending time with the Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, and the White Sox throughout his career. Hill did not pitch all that well during his time with the White Sox, though (1-0, 5.87 ERA, 13 K, 2.22 WHIP), so he's going to need to seriously figure some things out if the Yankees are going to be able to rely on him.

The good news is that Hill has proven he can be successful, as he posted a 3.62 ERA over 78 outings in 2021 and a 3.56 ERA over 55 outings in 2022. He has a funky release on the mound as a lefty, and that provides him an opportunity to mow down opposing left-handed batters he comes across.

If he intends on making this a permanent move to New York, though, Hill is going to have to find a way to keep runs off the board. He also posted a 5.48 ERA in 2023 with the Padres, and getting designated for assignment by the lowly White Sox isn't exactly something to be proud of. If he can't figure things out with the Yankees, Hill's time in the MLB could be over.

Luckily for Hill, he will have an immediate opportunity to figure things out with the Yankees given their need for help in the bullpen right now. The upside is certainly there for Hill, and if he pitches well, he could become a key piece of their pen throughout the remainder of the season. It's great to see the front office address this need, and now it's time to see if Hill can deliver the goods for his new squad.