The New York Yankees announced today that they would be reinstating right-hander Scott Effross from his rehab assignment, but there’s a twist. He isn’t back yet, the Yankees are going to have him get more reps in Triple-A as he still has Minor League options. The right-hander is still working on recovering in between outings, and it makes sense given that it’s been nearly two years since he’s last pitched at the Major League level. After undergoing Tommy John Surgery at the end of the 2022 season, Effross would undergo back surgery this past December, further delaying his return.
As a corresponding move, Cody Morris, who was acquired in the Estevan Florial trade, has been designated for assignment and will be placed on waivers.
Scott Effross Reinstated But Not Back With the Yankees Just Yet
It’s been a long road back for Scott Effross, who has undergone two different surgeries in two different places since hitting the IL at the end of the 2022 campaign. While the right-hander seemed on track for a post All-Star Break return, the exact date as to when he’ll be brought back remains unclear. At first glance, it seemed that the Yankees would make it immediate since they reinstated him from the IL, but sending him to Triple-A will allow Effross to build up more.
The right-hander is averaging about a tick lower in terms of fastball velocity, so it’s clear that he hasn’t fully built up just yet, and this should allow him to get more work in. Whether his ERA is good or not is less important than the stuff being back to where it was in 2022, as while he isn’t a hard thrower, the movement and velocity of his pitches are still critical to his success on the mound.
Cody Morris, who had fallen on some harder times in Triple-A, has been designated for assignment as a result. He posted a 4.25 ERA and 16% walk rate with the Scranton RailRiders, and was a roster casualty since by reinstating Scott Effross, the Yankees had to open up a spot on their 40-man roster.