The New York Yankees' bullpen has taken a hit.
On Wednesday, manager Aaron Boone announced to reporters that right-handed reliever Scott Effross will not be available until at least the summer after undergoing back surgery in December.
This news comes after Effross missed the entire 2023 season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in October 2022.
Effross, 30, has only pitched across two seasons in the big-leagues, but has put up strong numbers. The Yankees acquired the righty from the Chicago Cubs at the 2022 trade deadline, and he went on to post a 2.13 ERA in 12.2 innings until it was revealed that he had a torn UCL. Overall, Effross had a 2.54 ERA in 56.2 innings for the Cubs and Yankees in 2022.
The Yankees lost Michael King, who was projected to become a starter, and Wandy Peralta to the San Diego Padres this offseason, which weakens their bullpen. With Effross being out for half the season at least, it is a tough blow for this Yankee unit that is a lot thinner than last year.
New York can still make a move to add another reliever, and could do so, but there aren't many names left on the market besides former Houston Astros righty Ryne Stanek, who might be out of their price range at this point.
The Yankees brought back Lou Trivino, who was injured last year, and later non-tendered in the offseason. If healthy, Trivino could emerge as a reliable contributor in the bronx bombers' bullpen, but time will tell.
While Effross wasn't expected to be one of the main late-inning arms for the Yankees, it hurts the team's depth in the 'pen. Now, we shall see if they make an additional move to make up for this loss.
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