The New York Yankees have officially crashed out of the playoff race despite sweeping the Boston Red Sox during Tuesday’s doubleheader. With 73-72, the team moved up to fourth place in AL-East division. However, the Blue Jays are still seven games ahead in the wildcard race, which mathematically knocked out the reigning East champions.
Having said that, the Yankees’ injury woes are far from over, even as the team enters their last stretch of the season. Last week, pitcher Luis Severino and prospect Jasson Dominguez were ruled out of the season due to respective injuries. While Severino hurt his oblique, Dominguez tore the UCL of his eighth elbow. Meanwhile, another key reliever has landed on IL after a brief stint.
Reliever Jonathan Loaisiga Lands On IL With Elbow Inflammation
Right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga missed most of the 2023 MLB season due to elbow discomfort. After appropriate rehab, the pitcher was able to return alongside captain Aaron Judge in late July. In 17 appearances, he recorded a 3.06 ERA in 17.2 innings. However, the pitcher’s stint remained brief as he encountered the same injury for the second time this season. Ahead of the doubleheader against the Red Sox, the Yankees placed Loaisiga on IL with elbow inflammation. Moreover, as per MLB insider Bryan Hoch, the pitcher will not participate further into the season. Besides, the Bombers transferred Anthony Rizzo (concussion) and Nestor Cortes (rotator cuff strain) on a 60-day injury list, thus closing the curtain on their 2023 season as well.
Earlier today, the Yankees claimed RHP Luke Weaver off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 12, 2023
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees have transferred LHP Nestor Cortes to the 60-day injured list.
On the brighter side, the New York Yankees claimed right-hander Luke Weaver off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. The pitcher started the season with the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds released him last months before he signed with the Mariners. In 26 appearances this season, Weaver recorded a 6.77 ERA with a 2-5 record. Amid Jonathan’s exit, Luke will come in handy in the bullpen depth for the Bombers. Apart from this, the team signed right-hander Zach McAllister to a major league contract and moved him to the active roster. Zach has not played a single big league game in the past five years. Though, he has a career 4.09 ERA and one save in 280 career games. Overall, the bullpen has been shuffled to offer chances to the in-house depth.
Yankees Run Out Of Options After Jasson Dominguez’s Grievous Injury!
Jasson Dominguez, the New York Yankees thriving kid, encountered a brutal injury last week. A minor elbow discomfort was ignored as the Yanks allowed him to play through with it. The injury naturally worsened into a UCL tear, which will now shut down the kid for nine to ten months. This means Dominguez’s 2024 season is partially over, as his timelines will allow him to return only after late June.
So, what options do the Yankees have? Jasson Dominguez was the team’s preferred center fielder for the 2024 season. Moreover, to fill the hole, the club has negligible in-house depth. Hence, the front office will have to remain aggressive during the upcoming off-season to land a strong and long-term outfield option.
