Injuries have been a major challenge for the New York Yankees this season as they navigate their way through the late playoff push. However, off lately, the Yanks have gotten healthier. In the past four weeks, the team has welcomed back key players, including Aaron Judge and Nestor Cortes, from the injury list.
However, the New York Yankees lost a couple of pitchers pretty early into the season. Starter Frankie Montas and key reliever Jonathan Loaisiga went into IL in April and are still in rehab. While there is no update on Montas, the Yanks have retrieved Loaisiga at a crucial time of the tournament. As the team embarks on a late playoff push, the reliever’s addition is considered a massive boost.
Yankees Reliever Jonathan Loaisiga Activated From IL After Four Months
New York Yankees lost a key reliever Jonathan Loaisiga pretty early into the season. The flamethrower suffered from a bone spur in his elbow which prompted him to opt for the surgical route. Jonathan underwent surgery shortly after and was shut down for months. Fast forward to mid-June, when Loaisiga resumed throwing activities. He threw against Aaron Judge in live sessions and also in simulated games before embarking on a rehab assignment. Finally, after four months of grueling rehab, the Yankees formally activated Jonathan Loaisiga off 60-day IL on Monday. Loaisiga’s return comes at a crucial juncture for the team. Last season, he remained the team’s top reliever in the postseason by pitching a 0.96 ERA in 9.1 innings pitched.
To make space for Jonathan Loaisiga, the Yankees designated reliever Deivi Garcia for assignment. Garcia has remained off and off the roster this season and occasionally delivered impressive performances. In another roster move, the Yanks recalled reliever Nick Ramirez from Triple-A just days after optioning up to the minor league to make space for starter Nestor Cortes. Ramirez has been impressive this season with a 2.48 ERA. Having said that, Bronx Bombers’ bullpen has been the best in the league this year. Their ERA ranks lowest in the whole of MLB. Hence, Jonathan Loaisiga’s addition will further boost the bullpen depth, which plays a crucial role in the club’s late playoff push. Having said that, as of this writing, the Yanks remain at the bottom of the East division with a record of 58-55.
Carlos Rodon Lands Up On IL For The Second Time This Season
Meanwhile, in the most crucial roster move, the New York Yankees placed starter Carlos Rodon on 15-day IL following a low-grade hamstring strain. The pitcher exited his start on Sunday due to hamstring tightness and looked uncomfortable. On Monday, Rodon underwent an MRI test, which brought the club’s worst fears come true. With that, the Bombers’ starting rotation has shrunk further.
Last week, the Yankees lost Domingo German as he got placed on the restricted list due to an alcohol abuse-related incident. Further, Luis Severino is struggling with an ERA over 7. The Bombers want to get rid of him but can’t due to a lack of rotational depth. Right now, Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt remain the only healthy starters in the Yankee clubhouse.