The New York Yankees bullpen, despite losing key arms during off-season has been thriving in major leagues this year. In a season which seems to be the Yanks best bet since 2009 to claim a World Series championship, the relief corps are expected to play a crucial role.
That being said, as the season closes to its halfway stage, the New York Yankees will be looking to bolster the bullpen depth for the rest of the season. While external upgrades seem a better choice, the Bombers have a deceptive weapon coming through rehab that can leave a big impact in the second half.
Should New York Yankees Give A Chance To Scott Effross?
The New York Yankees are eagerly eyeing a significant upgrade to their bullpen with the return of Scott Effross. The relief pitcher, who was acquired via a trade in 2022, pitched a 2.13 ERA in 13 appearances that year. However, Effross hasn’t pitched since then, as he encountered multiple injury setbacks. The reliever missed the 2023 season with a Tommy John surgery, and an off-season back surgery further delayed his 2024 season debut. He has been put in rehab, which is expected to conclude in the next month. His recovery has been closely monitored by the club’s medical and coaching staff. And recent reports suggest that he is nearing full health and ready to rejoin the roster.
However, given his injury history, it’s complicated for the New York Yankees to include him in the major league bullpen. But at the same time, the team needs a strong relief pitcher who can produce strikeouts. Scott Effross has an excellent submarine delivery weapon that can induce swings and misses and weak contact. Not only that, Effross has historically outplayed the lefties, as they are hitting just .151 against his pitches.
While the Yankees will undoubtedly upgrade the bullpen during the mid-season trade deadline, including Effross towards the business end of things, it will be a wise call from the franchise. Overall, if Effross can successfully transition back and perform at his pre-injury level, he could be the deceptive weapon the Bronx Bombers need to enhance their bullpen and strengthen their much-awaited championship aspirations.
Gerrit Cole Reviews His Rehab Assignment
New York Yankees ace and reigning AL CY Young pitcher, Gerrit Cole is currently pitching in minor league which is a part of his rehab assignment. Cole’s elbow nerve inflammation has healed and he all set to return potentially by the end of the month. Meanwhile, at the end his second rehab start, Cole noticed visible improvements in his pitching arsenal.
Gerrit Cole assessed that while his fastballs and slide need some improvement, the curveballs, changeups, and cutters are on point. “Overall, checked a lot of the boxes,” Cole said in a post-game interview. He is set to pitch in his third rehab start on Friday with the Triple-A team before the Yankees assess him before taking a final call on his major league return, which Cole believes is right around the corner.
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