The New Yankees suffered a lot of injury issues last year. Moreover, the long Injured List caused a lot of problems for the NY side in 2023. The team could not win a lot of games in the absence of several key players like Aaron Judge, Anthony Rizzo, and even the debutant Jasson Dominguez. However, the Bronx Bombers had a pretty deep pitching department last season. But it was the offense that let them down in 2023. Hence, the front office took some strict measures to reinforce their offense. Moreover, the NY side managed to land Juan Soto, arguably the best hitter in the game.
Along with the Dominican superstar, Alex Verdugo and Trent Grisham came along to boost the offense and the outfield of the Bronx Bombers. Indeed, the outfield became the most improved in the league in terms of WAR. However, the Yankees faced a situation of worsening the pitching department. After all, they traded several key hurlers in exchange for Soto, Verdugo, and Grisham. Among the pitchers the Yankees sacrificed, one of them was Michael King. Initially, the NY side planned to replace King with Jonathan Loaisiga. But Loaisiga will be unavailable in 2024 owing to season-ending surgery. Hence, Ian Hamilton might have to take King’s place.
Ian Hamilton Needs To Replace King As Loaisiga Is Unavailable For The Yankees
Last week, the NY side reported that Jonathan Loaisiga will undergo season-ending UCL surgery. Later, in an interview with The New York Post, Aaron Boone mentioned that it is really very tough news. But firstly, his thought goes for Loaisiga as the skipper said, “Firstly, you feel for him.” Moreover, Boone mentioned that the reliever was throwing the ball pretty well before the tough news came along. Anyhow, the manager added that Loaisiga dealt with a few things in the previous few seasons that led to this point.
Hence, in Jonathan’s absence, Ian Hamilton might need to step up. Moreover, Ian has a pretty good blend of throws, and it should serve him well if he is able to stay healthy. However, consistency is essential with an even more rigorous workload. In 2023, Ian Hamilton burst onto the scene, posting a 2.64 ERA. He also pitched a career-high 58 innings. He displayed his skills and ability, which should earn him more opportunities this year. Now, can he take King’s place and do that role justice? Only time can answer that.
Clearly, Ian Has Got The Skills
Hamilton had a streaky start to the 2024 campaign. He faltered against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday night. However, Yanks Go Yard believes Hamilton sure has the ability to make it big. He is just 28 years old. As per Baseball Savant, in terms of chase percentage, Ian Hamilton ranks in the 89th percentile.
But in terms of groundball percentage, the hurler ranks in the 76th percentile. Although he did not pitch much so far in 2024, everybody can see that he can throw to contact and hunt strikeouts whenever the situation demands it. On April 3, in the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ian entered the contest with a couple of runners on base.
Stay tuned to Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team.
