Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Yankees Announce Pitching Staff Changes After Latest Setback

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 10:11 AM ET

It was pretty obvious the New York Yankees needed to make a change after they suffered an uninspired loss to the Detroit Tigers Monday.

While the Yankees offense was largely to blame for their two-game slump, it was the bullpen where they could make changes. Before Tuesday's game they shook up the relievers corps again.

Right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton was activated from the injured list hours before Tuesday's game in Detroit. Adam Ottavino, an emergency signing twice already this season, was designated for assignment for the second time in five days.

Ottavino had just rejoined the roster Monday morning, signed to cover innings after the Yankees’ bullpen threw 11 1/3 over the weekend in Pittsburgh. But his return lasted less than an inning, which wasn't the plan considering he was brought in to help keep the bullpen's workload down. He faced three batters, walked two, struck out one, and didn’t finish the inning.

But don't be surprised if you see Ottavino, 39, again.

Boone and the Yankees are familiar with the New York native. He’s a trusted veteran who can come in and help a stressed bullpen in a pinch as long as he's a free agent.

But the Yankees also need outs right now, and Hamilton gives them a better chance at those.

The 29-year-old is coming off a quietly effective 2024 in which he posted a 3.82 ERA across 35 appearances. His underlying metrics were even more promising. He limited hitters to an 89.5 mph average exit velocity and a 3.8% barrel rate. His expected wOBA (.301) nearly matched his actual (.310), suggesting he avoided damage even when contact was made.

Hamilton also struck out nearly a quarter of the batters he faced and generated consistent whiffs with his slider.

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

More must-reads: