The New York Yankees are facing a challenging summer as reliever Jake Cousins is likely to undergo Tommy John surgery, a significant setback for their already fragile bullpen. Manager Aaron Boone's remarks underscore the urgency for the Yankees to bolster their relief corps, especially with Luke Weaver also sidelined. With the trade deadline approaching, Yankees GM Brian Cashman is exploring potential solutions in the market.

Several options are emerging for the Yankees. Pete Fairbanks of the Tampa Bay Rays, boasting an impressive 1.88 ERA, is a candidate, though his health is a concern. Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals, last year's MLB saves leader, could be a highly sought-after closer, assuming St. Louis is open to trade discussions. David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates is making a comeback after a rough start, while Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals leads the league in saves, making him an intriguing budget-friendly choice. Finally, Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies has shown promise this season, providing an affordable option with solid performance metrics.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been dealt a significant blow as reliever José Alvarado has been suspended for 80 games due to a failed performance-enhancing drug test. This suspension, stemming from a positive test for exogenous testosterone, leaves a gap in a bullpen already struggling with a 24th-ranked ERA in the league. Alvarado showcased a solid performance with a 2.70 ERA in 20 appearances, saving seven games, but his absence raises immediate concerns for the team's playoff ambitions.

With executives Dave Dombrowski and Sam Fuld now needing to strategize for the upcoming trade deadline, nine potential trade targets have been identified to bolster the struggling relief corps. Notable names include Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals, who has been effective but may also be available due to his impending free agency. Others like Pete Fairbanks from the Tampa Bay Rays and Kenley Jansen from the Los Angeles Angels are also on the radar, reflecting a mix of experience and potential to strengthen the Phillies' bullpen as they aim for a competitive edge in the second half of the season.

Travis Jankowski played a pivotal role in the Tampa Bay Rays' thrilling 3-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, culminating in an RBI single during the ninth inning. This marked a historic home game for the Rays, as they experienced weather delays for the first time in their franchise history. Jankowski, who joined the team after spring training stints with the Cubs and White Sox, also contributed with a sacrifice fly earlier in the game, helping Tampa Bay take a 2-1 lead.

The game was not without drama; after a rain delay, both teams' pitchers combined to retire 19 consecutive batters before the tumultuous ninth inning. Jankowski's performance, alongside key plays from rookie Kameron Misner, who scored two runs, proved essential. As Tampa Bay prepares for the series finale, they continue to impress despite playing at Steinbrenner Field due to damage at Tropicana Field from Hurricane Milton.

Pete Fairbanks has established himself as a key player for the Tampa Bay Rays over his six-season career, boasting an impressive ERA of 3.29 with 63 saves. As the 2025 season unfolds, Fairbanks has elevated his performance even further, currently holding a remarkable 2.03 ERA and a perfect 8-for-8 in save opportunities. His recent outing against the New York Yankees showcased his dominance as he struck out the side, sealing his 71st career save. Fairbanks is complemented by a well-rounded bullpen with a 2.97 ERA, positioning the Rays as contenders in the competitive American League East.

The question now is whether Fairbanks can sustain this level of excellence throughout the full season. Injuries have hindered his past performances, yet if he maintains his current form, it could lead to a significant boost for the Rays and potentially earn him his first All-Star appearance. As the season progresses, Fairbanks's ability to stay healthy will be crucial to the team's success in a challenging division.

The Tampa Bay Rays face uncertainty in their closing role this season, with Pete Fairbanks appearing to have the lead, though injury history looms large. Fairbanks, who battled multiple injuries in the past two years, has had a mixed performance. Despite a strong second half last season with a 3.21 ERA and 16 saves, his fastball velocity has declined, and he’s struggled against left-handed hitters. Edwin Uceta offers a glimmer of hope after a rocky minor league stint; he excelled after his promotion, showcasing superb control and solid strikeout rates. Uceta's ability to convert saves puts him in contention for the closer role, but concerns about his consistency remain. The Rays also have Garrett Cleavinger and Manuel Rodriguez as options, adding to the competition for save opportunities.