The scuffling New York Yankees made a move that could bolster their pitching staff before the second game of their four-game set with the Los Angeles Angels.

New York announced on Tuesday that it has returned JT Brubaker from his rehab assignment. It has not yet made a corresponding move and could still opt to designate him for assignment rather than add him to the roster.

Brubaker hasn't pitched in the Majors since 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He then sustained three fractured ribs after taking a come-backer to the chest in spring training. He has made six rehab appearances throughout the Yankees' minor league system, throwing 21.1 total innings with 17 strikeouts and a 3.38 ERA. His most recent outing was his best when he gave up a run on no hits and a pair of walks over five innings.

The Yankees acquired Brubaker in 2024 in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He made 28 starts with the 2022 Pirates, going 3-12 with a 4.69 ERA. The numbers aren't great, but as history has shown, if the Yankees are interested in a pitcher off the scrap heap, there's a reason.

Article Continues Below
More New York Yankees News
Yankees manager Joe Torre is carried on the shoulders of players after the Yankees win the Subway Series in five games at Shea Stadium in Flushing, NY Thursday October 26, 2000 © Tanya Breen/Asbury Park Press / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Joe Torre gets perfect 2025 All-Star Game honorZachary Draves ·
New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits a single against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton’s honest assessment of first game back from injuryJordan Llanes ·
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) ooks on from the dugout before game one against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
Aaron Boone highlights Yankees’ issue after loss to AngelsScotty White ·
New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (36) follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees fans in shambles after frustrating end to 1-0 loss to AngelsJordan Llanes ·
Jun 16, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits a single against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Giancarlo Stanton smokes 111.1-mph line drive for first hit of 2025Mike Gianakos ·
New York Yankees pitcher Jake Cousins (61) throws during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees lose key bullpen arm to Tommy John surgeryBenedetto Vitale ·

While Brubaker may be a call-up to bolster the bullpen, all six of his rehab appearances were starts. He's pitched out of the bullpen a grand total of two times in his MLB career. The Yankees have announced a starter for each of their next three games, so Brubaker's role isn't immediately clear. He may be a long reliever or spot-starter when needed.

Though the Yankees are struggling, having lost four straight, their pitching has not been the problem. New York hasn't scored a run in 21 innings and have not held a lead in a game since last Thursday.

With Marcus Stroman seemingly on the verge of coming off the Injured List himself, the starting staff is due to get even more crowded. Stroman threw 46 pitches and struck out four at Double-A Somerset in his first rehab appearance last week.