The New York Yankees bullpen was a bright spot during their overall underwhelming 2023 season. New York is hoping the bullpen can play a big role in 2024 once again as the team looks to bounce back. However, reliever Jonathan Loaisiga was recently dealt an unfortunate injury update.
Loaisiga, who has dealt with injury concerns in the past, was placed on the 60-day injured list Friday in a move retroactive to Thursday, the team announced. The injury is being called a “right flexor strain” by the Yankees. Manager Aaron Boone admitted that it is a “significant” injury, via Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
The Yankees signed right-handed pitcher Dennis Santana to an MLB contract after placing Loaisiga on the injured list. Loaisiga will be out until at least June with the injury, but no strict timeline has been made available.
So when did the Yankees first learn of Loaisiga's injury?
“It was a couple pitches before he finished his outing the other day,” Boone said in reference to when Loaisiga first felt pain from the injury, via Yankees Videos of SNY. “At the time, didn't really think it was that big a deal. Finished that inning, said something. And then after the game even getting with him, I don't think he was too concerned about it. But obviously it is concerning. We will see what we have now over the days and weeks, and where we go from here.”
A difficult injury blow
Loaisiga features the talent and ceiling of one of MLB's best relievers. Loaisiga displayed that potential in 2021, when he pitched to a 2.17 ERA across 57 appearances out of the Yankees bullpen. He added a 1.019 WHIP across 70.2 innings pitched.
He was not as effective in 2022 over 50 appearances, and was then limited to just 17 games pitched during the 2023 season due to injury. Loaisiga was off to a tremendous start in 2024, as he turned in four scoreless innings across three outings.
The Yankees are obviously hopeful that Loaisiga will be able to return as soon as possible. The 60-day IL move will keep him out for a while, however.
Yankees bullpen moving forward
The Yankees bullpen is going to miss Loaisiga without question. Injuries have impacted the relief core this season, with Loaisiga joining Tommy Kahnle, Scott Effross, and Lou Trivino on the injured list.
With that said, New York's bullpen still features enough talent to find success. Clay Holmes, the Yankees star closer, will lead the way. Meanwhile, relievers such as Ian Hamilton, Luke Weaver, Caleb Ferguson, Victor Gonzalez, and Nick Burdi will play important roles.
The bullpen will need to perform at an efficient level with their current depth uncertainty. They will feel the impact of the numerous injuries. Still, there is reason to have hope.
Overall, the Yankees have performed well. They will enter Friday's game with a 6-1 record. Juan Soto has been a terrific addition and the offense looks like a completely new group after last year's forgettable effort. Gerrit Cole, who is also dealing with an injury, has been missed in the rotation but Marcus Stroman and Carlos Rodon have enjoyed strong starts to the new season.
There is no question that the team underperformed a season ago. But it is also impossible to deny that injuries played a big role in New York's struggles. They were hoping to have a healthier campaign in 2024, but injuries are already playing an unfortunate role this year.
The Yankees will do everything they can to earn victories despite the injury trouble.
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