Yankees issue important update regarding rehabilitating bullpen asset

Scott Effross continues his recovery journey following elbow and back surgeries, with Aaron Boone informing reporters earlier today that the Yankees are gearing up to have him face hitters soon. As the Yankees aim to bolster their bullpen with more strikeouts, Effross could play a significant role in meeting that objective. Acquired from the Chicago Cubs in 2022 for Hayden Wesneski, Effross proved his effectiveness during his brief tenure with the Bronx Bombers.

In his Major League career spanning 71.1 innings, Effross has maintained an impressive 2.78 ERA and a solid 27.9% strikeout rate, showcasing his value across both the Cubs and Yankees rosters.

Boone’s announcement of Effross soon facing live hitters marks a crucial step forward for the right-hander. Despite showing promise with 12 strikeouts and a 2.13 ERA over 13 appearances for the Yankees before his UCL tear, Effross faced setbacks due to subsequent rehab and back surgery in December, prolonging his absence. However, his potential return could significantly strengthen the bullpen, particularly in high-pressure situations. Yet, his extended absence means he will require some rehab outings before rejoining the team.

While the Yankees boast an impressive team ERA of 2.92, there’s room for improvement in their bullpen’s strikeout numbers. Currently, their starters rank second in strikeout rate (24.7%), whereas their relievers stand at 23rd (21.5%). This disparity raises questions about the sustainability of their success. Hence, the arrival of reinforcements like Tommy Kahnle is anticipated to address this discrepancy and enhance the team’s performance moving forward.