May 28, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher J.T. Brubaker (34) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

Yankees Finally Activate Former Pirates Pitcher

Originally posted on New York Yankees on SI
By Noah Strackbein | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 12:38 PM ET

The New York Yankees are adding to their bullpen. In the midst of a five-game losing streak and some very larger struggles at the plate, the team is making a pitching move, activating right-hander J.T. Brubaker, according to FanSided's Robert Murray.

Brubaker was acquired by the Yankees last March from the Pittsburgh Pirates, but has never pitched for New York. The right handed pitcher underwent Tommy John Surgery in April of 2023 and was shut down for the entire season. This past spring training, he suffered cracked ribs, shutting him down once again.

The Yankees are activating right-hander J.T. Brubaker, sources say. Brubaker was acquired by the Yankees from the Pirates in March last year and after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023 and suffering cracked ribs in spring training this season, Brubaker is back in the majors.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) June 18, 2025

The Yankees have been moving their bullpen around all season, making changes as they deal with injuries and try to find the right collection of arms. Brubaker will enter the mix and look to earn a spot in the rotation as the team tries to find their way out of their current slump.

Brubaker was drafted in the sixth-round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates and spent his entire career with the Buccos right up until signing with the Yankees. He holds a 9-28 record in the MLB with a 4.99 ERA and 324 strikeouts.

Following the team's latest loss to the Los Angeles Angels, the Yankees sent Scott Effross down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

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