The Yankees’ bullpen has been outstanding to start the 2024 season, currently ranking fourth in the MLB with a 1.27 ERA. They are also second in the league with five saves and have performed well against the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks in the season’s first two series.
Ian Hamilton has been a crucial asset while the team awaits the return of Scott Effross, Lou Trivino, and Tommy Kahnle from injuries. Effross and Trivino are expected to return around the trade deadline this summer, but Kahnle recently faced a setback after struggling to recover from a live pitching session.
Yankees Lose Jonathan Loaisiga
On Friday morning, the Yankees announced that Jonathan Loaisiga has been placed on the 60-day injured list due to a right flexor strain, which means he is expected to be out until at least June.
The 29-year-old has been plagued by injuries in recent years, pitching just 17.2 innings in 2023. His last significant workload was in 2021, when he pitched 70.2 innings.
In his three appearances this season, Loaisiga had yet to allow a run and posted a 56.3% ground ball rate. His absence is a significant blow to the bullpen, as the Yankees intended to use him as a long-relief pitcher, managing his health while giving him work in shorter stints.
It appears that Loaisiga is becoming more of an injury concern than a reliable player, with his recent issues suggesting a pattern of frequent setbacks.
To fill Loaisiga’s spot, the Yankees have called up Dennis Santana, a 27-year-old who pitched 10.2 innings for the Mets last year. This spring, Santana recorded a 2.79 ERA over 9.2 innings with the Yankees, boasting 12.10 strikeouts per nine innings, an 86.2% left-on-base rate, and a 46.2% ground ball rate.
While the bullpen remains strong, Loaisiga’s loss is a significant setback, and the team will need to adapt until his return later in the summer.
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