Yankees’ Secret Weapon Claps Back at Critic with Performance and Poise
New York Yankees pitcher J.D. Criswell, dubbed the team’s “secret weapon” for his under-the-radar dominance this season, fired back at critics questioning his reliability in high-pressure moments—and he did it with both his words and his arm.
The 26-year-old right-hander, acquired in a low-profile offseason trade, has quietly become a linchpin of the Yankees’ bullpen, posting a 2.45 ERA with 58 strikeouts over 47 innings. But after a rare shaky outing last week against the Astros, in which he allowed three runs in the eighth inning of a narrow loss, former All-Star pitcher turned analyst Mike Torrez called Criswell’s mental toughness into question. “He’s got the stuff, but when the lights are brightest, he shrinks,” Torrez said on a sports talk show. “That’s not a guy you want in October.”
Criswell didn’t take the critique lying down. “Stats don’t lie, and neither do my teammates,” he told reporters before Thursday’s game against the Red Sox. “One bad inning doesn’t define my season—or my career. I’ll take the ball anytime they hand it to me.” Hours later, he backed up his words, striking out four batters in two scoreless innings to seal a 4-2 Yankees win.
Teammates and coaches rallied behind Criswell. “J.D.’s been nails for us all year,” said Yankees captain Aaron Judge. “Anybody who’s been in this game knows you can’t let outside noise shake you. He’s proven he belongs.” Pitching coach Matt Blake added, “His composure is what makes him special. He’s got that short memory you need in this role.”
The showdown highlights a broader theme for the Yankees, who’ve leaned on unheralded contributors like Criswell to stay atop the AL East. With the postseason looming, his ability to thrive under scrutiny could be pivotal. For now, Criswell seems focused on letting his performance speak louder than critiques. “I’m here to help this team win a ring,” he said. “The rest is just background noise.”
As the Yankees gear up for a grueling stretch against division rivals, Criswell’s resilience offers a reminder: sometimes the quietest weapons make the loudest statement.
