Yankees Bullpen Headed for a Shakeup With Veteran Arm Back

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 12:04 PM ET

JT Brubaker hasn’t pitched in a big-league game since October 2022. But that could change soon, and with the New York Yankees' bullpen walking a tightrope lately, his arrival might come with a roster shakeup.

Brubaker was in the Bronx on Monday night, but the Yankees didn’t activate him. Not yet, anyway, but his presence is certainly a strong suggestion that the Yankees are looking to shakeup the bullpen.

The 31-year-old right-hander has been rehabbing for over a year since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2023. After being traded to the Yankees by the Pirates last spring, Brubaker suffered a freak setback in February. He fractured his ribs after taking a comebacker to the side during a spring training game.

Now, he’s finally healthy. Brubaker has made six minor league appearances during his rehab stint and capped it with a dominant five-inning, hitless outing in his most recent start.

The Yankees didn’t activate Brubaker on Monday, but his presence is a statement: the Yankees are ready to shake up an overextended bullpen that’s approaching critical midseason mileage.

Aaron Boone said the plan is to use him in long relief.

The Yankees' bullpen ERA sits at 3.83, ranking 15th in MLB. Core relievers Jonathan Loáisiga (3.41 ERA) and Ian Hamilton (5.06 ERA, walk issues) have struggled to hold leads. A long-relief option who can eat innings would ease that pressure, especially in this stretch of tight games when the offense is leaving the pitchers hanging.

If Brubaker is activated—likely this week—it may force one of the underperforming arms, most likely Hamilton, out.

A decision could come as soon as Tuesday.

Brubaker doesn’t bring All-Star credentials, but he has a starter’s frame, a track record of eating innings, and the kind of durability the Yankees need in their bullpen that has been asked to carry a heavy workload.

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

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