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Yankees Add Fresh Arm to Bullpen Before Boston Series
Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees called up right-hander Scott Effross to bolster their bullpen.  Effross is likely to take the roster spot of Brent Headrick, who was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Wednesday night’s game.

It’s a notable move given Effross’ rocky rehab campaign. 

The 30-year-old owns a 12.71 ERA across five outings for SWB and has allowed 10 runs in 10 innings overall in the minors this season. He missed all of 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery, then suffered a hamstring injury during spring training that delayed his return further.

The Yankees are clearly hoping Effross can provide some stability in a bullpen that’s become increasingly uncertain. Luke Weaver is on the injured list, Jonathan Loaisiga has struggled to find consistency since returning from his own injury, and Devin Williams—who was expected to anchor the ninth inning after being acquired in March—has been inconsistent in high-leverage situations.

That volatility has forced manager Aaron Boone to get creative late in games, often mixing and matching relievers based on matchups. Effross, at his best, offers a different look with his funky sidearm delivery and sweeper-heavy arsenal. Before undergoing surgery in 2022, he posted a 2.14 ERA with 62 strikeouts across 60.1 innings between the Cubs and Yankees.

Whether that version of Effross returns remains to be seen. But with options thinning and the trade deadline still weeks away, the Yankees are betting that a healthy Effross—even one still shaking off rust—can help patch a bullpen that’s showing cracks in multiple spots.

He could join the club as soon as Thursday night’s series finale against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. 

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

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