The New York Yankees entered this season with major questions in the rotation after being unable to land a big pitcher in free agency or on the MLB trade market. The injury to Gerrit Cole also played a role in concern about starting pitching in the Bronx.
For manager Aaron Boone and Co., the hope was that the Yankees’ bullpen could step up big time. That was the case heading into Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays with the Yanks’ bullpen having given up all of one earned run in 20.2 innings of work.
This did not translate to Saturday’s game with Yankees relievers yielding a combined six runs in a narrow 9-8 win over Toronto.
Despite posting a solid 7-2 record through nine games, there is now more concern about the Yankees’ pitching staff after Saturday evening’s news.
Related: Updated New York Yankees news and rumors here
New York Yankees reliever Jonathan Loaisiga to undergo season-ending surgery
MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reports that the 29-year-old Loaisiga will undergo elbow surgrey. While it’s not Tommy John, this will still cost the quality reliever the remainder of the 2023 MLB season. New York had placed Loaisiga on the 60-day injured list the day earlier. It comes after he threw four scoreless innings and received win in relief in three appearances this season.
Definitely a solid member of the Yankees’ bullpen, Loaisiga was also limited to 17.2 innings last season due to an elbow injury.
- Jonathan Loaisiga career stats): 19-11 record, 3.44 ERA, 1.23 WHIP
Loaisiga’s best season came with the Yankees back in 221 when he posted a 2.17 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 57 appearances. He’s been with the team since making his MLB debut back in 2018.
With Loaisiga sidelined, the Yankees will be relaying more on Ian Hamilton, Caleb Ferguson and Nick Purdi to pick up the slack in front of closer Clay Holmes. We also expect increased roles for Luke Weaver and Jake Cousins.
It’s not an ideal scenario.