Yankees Add Arm to Bullpen Before Angels Series Finale

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 3:29 PM ET

The Yankees finally made it official Wednesday: JT Brubaker is back.

Prior to the series finale against the Angels, New York reinstated the right-hander from the 60-day injured list. Brubaker, who hasn’t pitched in a major league game since October 2022, will be active and available out of the bullpen for Wednesday night's game.

The move has been in the works all week.

Brubaker was with the team in the Bronx on Monday. He had been throwing in front of coaches, setting up Wednesday’s activation. On Tuesday night, the Yankees quietly optioned right-hander Scott Effross back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre following a scoreless inning in their fifth consecutive loss.

That opened the door for Brubaker’s long-awaited return.

It’s been a long road back. Brubaker underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2023 and was sidelined again this spring after a comebacker fractured three ribs. But in his most recent rehab outing, he threw five hitless innings.

That was enough to convince the Yankees he was ready.

Manager Aaron Boone has said Brubaker will be used in long relief, a role that has lacked consistency this season. The Yankees bullpen has been stretched thin, posting a mid-pack ERA and carrying the load during the team’s recent offensive struggles.

While Brubaker doesn’t come with All-Star credentials, he has value as a multi-inning option. The 30-year-old logged 144 innings for the Pirates in 2022 and brings a starter’s experience to a bullpen that has lacked depth beyond the late-inning group.

The Yankees are still navigating injuries and inconsistency across the staff. Luke Weaver is nearing a return, Luis Gil is on track for later this season, and Brubaker’s presence offers at least a temporary solution to the team’s mounting pitching workload.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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