The New York Yankees’ bullpen has been stellar the past few weeks, despite facing adversity in the injury department. Losing Aroldis Chapman to an Achilles tendinitis issue, Jonathan Loáisiga to shoulder inflammation, and still battling without Zack Britton, recovering from Tommy John surgery, the unit has played above expectations.
However, the team is expected to return all three players at some point over the next few weeks, with Britton’s return likely coming in August.
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Zack Britton:
“He’s trending in a really good direction,’’ Boone said of Britton recently.
Britton pitched 18.1 innings last year before being shut down and undergoing Tommy John surgery. He was clearly bothered by his elbow, hosting a 5.89 ERA, the highest in his career by a significant margin. Britton is expected to throw a bullpen session this week in Tampa and will then take a few days off to give his arm rest, according to Randy Miller of NJ.com.
The expectation is that Britton will be ready to make his first appearance this season in August or September, just in time to ramp up for the postseason.
Aroldis Chapman:
Chapman is working his way back from Achilles tendinitis, enjoying a few bullpen sessions over the past few days. He threw to live hitters on Saturday down in Tampa and is expected to do the same this week against the Rays. If no problems arise, he could be back with the squad by next week.
According to the New York Post:
Aroldis Chapman is expected to throw another live bullpen session, likely at the team’s player development complex in Tampa, perhaps on Tuesday. Chapman is recovering from left Achilles tendinitis that has kept him out since May 24.
Jonathan Loaisiga:
Loáisiga was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 25 with right shoulder inflammation. He has begun his throwing program down in Tampa and should be back soon with the Yankees. Prior to the injury, Loáisiga posted a 7.02 ERA over 16.2 innings pitched. He has been struggling considerably throwing his sinker. Batters are hitting his sinker at .333 clip, giving up two homers and 13 hits over 39 at-bats.
Jonathan has thrown a sinker at a career-high 59.1% this season, which is in line with Matt Blake’s strategy for the bullpen. However, his location has been off. When he’s playing at the top of his game, he’s as good as any relief arm in baseball.