Yankees bullpen could have unexpected question mark as Mark Leiter Jr. deals with back issue

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees from spring training PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla.— In a perfect world, the Yankees would not have any bullpen spots up for grabs this spring because their top eight relievers were healthy. In reality, it is looking like there are at least two jobs to be won over the final 10 days of camp. The Yankees appear to have six locks for the bullpen: Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Tim Hill, Fernando Cruz, Ian Hamilton and Mark Leiter Jr.

The last two names on that list bear some watching; Hamilton missed some time earlier this spring dealing with an infection and has yet to pitch in a game, though he should still have enough time to be ready. Leiter, meanwhile, has not thrown in a Grapefruit League game since March 6.He was supposed to pitch on Thursday against the Tigers, but felt something in his back, so the Yankees decided to play it safe and hold him out.

The righty is now scheduled to throw live batting practice on Sunday. “It wasn’t anything huge, I think he just wanted to be safe with it,” manager Aaron Boone said Saturday after a 7-7 tie with the Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. The Yankees are already dealing with injuries to Scott Effross (hamstring strain), Jake Cousins (forearm strain) and Tyler Matzek (oblique strain) — the latter a non-roster invitee who looked like a prime candidate to break camp with the team — plus Jonathan Loáisiga building back from elbow surgery and likely being out until late May or early June. Those setbacks have opened the door for others to take advantage, with Yoendrys Gómez (who is out of minor league options and has seen his velocity tick up in a relief role this spring), Yerry De Los Santos (on the 40-man roster) and non-roster invitees Geoff Hartlieb and Colten Brewer among those in consideration. Despite a rough outing on Saturday, Hartlieb in particular has opened some eyes ...