Some players just can’t catch a break. Jonathan Loaisiga is one such player who has recently spent more time in Doctor’s room than on the pitch. The New York Yankees’ reliever hasn’t had an easy time with injuries. Now just one year before his free agency, with the Bronx Bombers needing him more than ever the injury bug has once again bit Loaisiga. This time it’s for an extended period.
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It’s an unfortunate situation for the pitcher and the Yankees. Loaisiga has been one of their top bullpen arms for a few years. The fact that they’re losing him at a time when their bullpen isn’t in its deepest of conditions is tragic. However, it has once again highlighted the core issue that could jeopardize the Yankees’ World Series aspirations.
The New York Yankees’ injury list keeps growing
Losing Gerrit Cole was by itself a huge blow. But somehow the Bronx Bombers have managed to power through that loss till now. However, it seems the universe wants to play more games with the Pinstripes. The Yankees’ X account has revealed that Jonathan Loaisiga has been placed on a 60-day injured list!
Prior to today’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Placed RHP Jonathan Loáisiga on the 60-day injured list (retroactive to 4/4) with a right flexor strain.
• Signed RHP Dennis Santana (#53) to a Major League contract and selected him to the active roster.— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 5, 2024
The reason given was the right flexor strain the pitcher has after making three appearances since the season’s opener. It’s a huge disappointment for the Bronx Bombers who were planning to use the 29-year-old in a multi-inning role this season. However, he has thrown four innings in this season (2 on Opening Day, 1 on Sunday, and 1 on Wednesday).
According to the New York Post, Loaisiga was placed in the IL twice last year. Both times due to elbow inflammation that led to surgery in May to remove bone spurs from his elbow. With the pitcher out till June, the Bronx Bombers quickly called up Dennis Santana from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. While this could be a huge opportunity for Santana, one can’t help but notice the thin bullpen that the Yankees are currently operating with.
The thin bullpen – a cause of concern for the Bronx Bombers?
Now that Loaisiga is gone, the Yankees will become even more dependent on Ian Hamilton. There’s Caleb Ferguson and Nick Burdi also there to support him – so is Clay Holmes. However, these aren’t enough names for a team that arguably had the deepest bullpen last season. After all, in the absence of their ace the Yankees all of their pitchers to contribute meaningfully.
Apart from Loaisiga, Tommy Kahnle and Scott Effross are also on the Injured List. That makes it all the more tough for the Bronx Bombers. After all, despite their offense currently running on all engines, a good defense is a must. Certainly, skipper Aaron Boone and GM Brian Cashman have a new headache on their hand. A headache they might not have wanted in a make-or-break year.