Yankees part ways with pitcher ahead of Astros series

Unfortunately, injuries continued to plague the righty. After missing the entirety of the 2023 season, he suffered an oblique strain during his rehab stint and didn’t debut in pinstripes until late June. A fractured rib from a comebacker in spring training only added to his delayed return. When he finally took the mound on June 21 against the Orioles, Brubaker had missed over 14 months of major league action.

Now, just two months after that return, he hits the open market. The Yankees remain responsible for the rest of his $1.82 million salary. Any team that signs him will owe only the prorated league minimum, which could make Brubaker an appealing option for a club looking for low-risk pitching depth.

His release also comes just one week after the Yankees went big at the trade deadline, acquiring All-Star closer David Bednar from the Pirates, Jake Bird from the Rockies, and Camilo Doval from the Giants. It’s clear the front office is prioritizing fresh arms to address a bullpen that’s been inconsistent all year.

Despite the reinforcements, New York has dropped five of six games since the deadline, including an embarrassing sweep at the hands of the Miami Marlins—the first in franchise history—and a series loss to the Rangers. Devin Williams, the team’s marquee bullpen addition this past offseason, has struggled to find form and currently holds a 5.44 ERA in 2025. Meanwhile, Luke Weaver has looked rusty since coming off the injured list with a strained hamstring.

The Yankees are doing what they can to course-correct a once-promising season. But as they prepare for a pivotal series against the Astros, it’s clear that time—and patience—is running out. Releasing Brubaker may open the door for another arm, but unless the new-look bullpen starts delivering wins, October could remain out of reach.