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Yankees' Key Bullpen Reinforcement Nearing Milestone in Rehab
Apr 24, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Ian Hamilton (71) and catcher Austin Wells (28) congratulate each other after defeating the Oakland Athletics at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees need all of the help they can get down the stretch of the season as they fight over the AL East crown with the division rival Baltimore Orioles.

With the July 30 trade deadline concluding earlier in the week, GM Brian Cashman was able to acquire two relievers in Mark Leiter Jr. and Enyel De Los Santos to help his shaky bullpen.

Were these two moves enough? That remains to be seen.

The good news is that right-handed setup man Ian Hamilton is making strides in his rehab from a lat injury.

On Saturday morning, Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters that Hamilton is scheduled to throw a "high intensity" bullpen on Tuesday, August 6. He will still need to face hitters in his bullpens and rehab games before he is deemed ready to return from the IL. That being said, the righty's next step is a big one.

Hamilton has been out since June 6 after suffering a lat strain. In 27 appearances this season, the 29-year-old holds a 4.55 ERA and a 1.584 WHIP.

While his numbers haven't been great this year, Hamilton was one of the Yankees' best high-leverage relievers in 2023. The veteran hurler produced a 2.64 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP and 69 strikeouts in 58 innings last season.

The Yankees are hoping that Hamilton can recapture some of his previous success once he is healthy again.

Nick Burdi and Scott Effross are also options to assist the Yankees bullpen as well. Both relievers' were optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre upon completing their rehab assignments.


This article first appeared on New York Yankees on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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White Sox release former All-Star pitcher
MLB

White Sox release former All-Star pitcher

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Bills GM says James Cook decision was 'disappointing'
NFL

Bills GM says James Cook decision was 'disappointing'

On Monday, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane responded to James Cook's decision not to practice with the team on Sunday. Cook, who had been practicing with the Bills through training camp until that point amid contract negotiations, told ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg that he made a "business" decision not to practice with his teammates. During an appearance on WGR 550, Beane said the team did not know of Cook's plan until right before practice. He was disappointed that the situation deteriorated to a point where the star running back felt the need to miss a practice. "There's been constant communication between the two sides....at the end of the day I wish we weren't here," Beane said, via WGR's Sal Capaccio. "This is my ninth season and have never had a player miss practice due too a contract, so it's disappointing for me." Beane doesn't believe Cook's negotiations will cause a distraction in the locker room unless players "let it become" a distraction. The negotiations between the Bills and Cook could continue past training camp. "We'd love to keep him, but I have to make sure it all fits under an umbrella, not in a silo... If we don't get something done now it doesn't mean we can't before (Cook) becomes a free agent," Beane said. Cook is looking for a $15 million per year deal after earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance and earning the NFL rushing touchdowns co-leader (tied with Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs with 16) in 2024. Beane said he isn't taking a hard line on not paying Cook because he's a running back, saying the Bills want to sign him at the "sweet spot." The Bills need the "sweet spot" to come sooner rather than later. It's common for teams to deal with sit-outs and holdouts during the preseason. What Buffalo doesn't want is a distraction during the regular season or postseason, and that could be where this is headed.

Tiger Woods Sends Strong Message to Retiring CBS Broadcaster on Sunday
Golf

Tiger Woods Sends Strong Message to Retiring CBS Broadcaster on Sunday

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Reporter predicts how Commanders will handle Terry McLaurin trade request
NFL

Reporter predicts how Commanders will handle Terry McLaurin trade request

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