The New York Yankees did a bit more bullpen shuffling on Thursday following Wednesday’s blowout loss to the New York Mets. The team announced that 24-year-old Yoendrys Gomez was heading back to Triple-A after spending 7.2 innings with the Yankees and posting a 5.87 ERA.
Yoendrys Gomez’s Struggles and Demotion
In his first two appearances against San Diego and Atlanta, Gomez gave up three hits and struck out eight with zero earned runs. Unfortunately, against the Mets, he gave up four hits, five earned runs, and two homers over two innings. Gomez has more work to do but has one minor option left, allowing the Yankees to freely send him back down without concerns.
The Yankees Promote Jake Cousins
In his place, the Bombers promoted right-handed pitcher Jake Cousins. The 29-year-old has 55.2 innings of MLB experience, boasting a 3.07 ERA. He has tossed three innings for the Yankees this year and spent the previous three seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. Cousins has demonstrated tremendous strikeout capabilities in the past, and the Yankees are keen on developing his game and potentially utilizing him when running low on healthy arms.
Clayton Andrews Chooses Free Agency
However, Clayton Andrews opted for free agency, declining an outright assignment back to Triple-A. The 27-year-old only tossed 0.1 innings for the Yanks this season, giving up a home run in that small sample against Seattle. Andrews has only 3.1 innings of MLB experience and pitched 24.2 innings in Triple-A with a 5.84 ERA this season.
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Recovery and Reinforcements on the Horizon
The Yankees are down several bullpen pieces, notably Ian Hamilton. However, Scott Effross recently had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Scranton, so he’s on pace to make a return over the next few weeks. Effross represents one of the more influential relief arms the Yankees have on the roster but hasn’t been seen since 2022 due to Tommy John surgery.