At the beginning of the week, the New York Yankees faced a setback, losing key pitchers to injuries. Relief pitcher Ian Hamilton and starter Cody Poteet were placed on the injured list just before a critical three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles. Hamilton, known for his struggles this season, has seen a significant drop in performance, hosting a 4.55 ERA over 29.2 innings—a stark contrast to his 2.64 ERA over 58 innings last year.
Yankees’ Bullpen Challenges: Key Players on the Injured List
Hamilton is sidelined due to a right lat strain, prompting the Yankees to search for emerging talents in their bullpen. They have found excellent value in Michael Tonkin and expect additional reinforcements in the coming weeks. The bullpen, crucial for late-game scenarios, is undergoing adjustments to compensate for the recent injuries.
The Yankees are making strategic moves beyond immediate replacements. After undergoing Tommy John surgery, Lou Trivino secured a contract extension. He’s expected to return this summer but has endured a few setbacks of his own.
Furthermore, the team is eagerly awaiting the return of Scott Effross, a standout submarine pitcher acquired from the Chicago Cubs in 2022. Effross, who is 30 years old, showed promising stats in the previous season with a 2.54 ERA and 9.85 strikeouts per nine innings. His return is highly anticipated as he is expected to bolster the bullpen significantly.
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Current Bullpen Performance and Future Plans
Despite recent struggles, the Yankees’ bullpen still ranks sixth in baseball for ERA, although they have slipped from their previous top position. General Manager Brian Cashman is considering options for further strengthening the bullpen, especially as the trade deadline approaches at the end of July. This consideration comes at a crucial time, particularly with Clay Holmes facing difficulties in high-leverage situations.