The New York Yankees’ bullpen had a stellar start to the season, mirroring the overall success of the team. However, recent struggles have emerged due to injuries and underperformance from key pitchers. This is highlighted by the Yankees’ decision to designate Michael Tonkin, who had a 3.74 ERA but struggled significantly in recent games, for assignment.
Four relievers with a history of success, including some in a Yankees uniform, could make a difference. These pitchers—Nick Burdi, Scott Effross, Lou Trivino, and Ian Hamilton—are currently on rehab assignments and could bolster the Yankees’ bullpen, potentially by the end of the month.
Burdi, who has dealt with right hip inflammation this year, posted an impressive 1.86 ERA over 9.2 innings earlier in the season before being optioned to Triple-A in early August. With the RailRiders, he has a 3.72 ERA in 9.2 innings, with five walks and 14 strikeouts. His high-90s fastball could be a valuable addition when he’s activated.
Hamilton has been sidelined since mid-June with a right lat strain but began a rehab stint with the Double-A Somerset Patriots on Saturday, pitching a scoreless inning. He is expected to return in September and will come back from a 4.55 ERA over 29.2 innings, though he was exceptional last year with a 2.64 ERA.
Effross has been back in competitive action since July following elbow and back surgeries. In Triple-A, he has a 4.09 ERA over 22 innings, but his recent performance has been strong, with a 1.46 ERA in his last nine games spanning 12.1 innings.
Trivino, recovering from elbow inflammation, has thrown five innings for Somerset with a 1.80 ERA.
A promotion to MLB seems imminent for Effross, Burdi, and Trivino, while Hamilton is expected to be ready in about a week. These four relievers could provide much-needed stability and consistency to the Yankees’ bullpen.
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