Yankees Make Roster Move After Fifth Straight Loss

JT Brubaker has been with the team since Monday. He hasn’t pitched in the majors since October 2022 because of  Tommy John surgery and a fluke rib injury suffered in spring training. But after a strong rehab outing—five hitless innings—his return appears imminent. With Effross now off the roster, there’s a clear opening for Brubaker to be activated as soon as Wednesday.

The Yankees need the help. 

They’ve been shut out in three straight games, their longest such streak since 2016, and have scored just five runs over their last six. The offense has gone silent, and it’s left the pitching staff to carry the weight. That includes a bullpen that’s been showing signs of wear.

Boone said if and when Brubaker joins the active roster, he’ll be used in long relief—a role the Yankees haven’t had a reliable option for this season. The bullpen ERA sits at 3.83, right in the middle of the pack, but the unit has been overextended in recent weeks.

Brubaker may not be a savior, but he brings innings and experience. If nothing else, he offers the Yankees a fresh look as they search for a spark—any spark—during one of their worst stretches of the season.

And now that Effross is headed back to Triple-A, that spark could arrive as soon as the next game.