Last summer’s trade deadline saw the Yankees make numerous savvy moves to bolster their bullpen. This year, they are hopeful that the return of important injured players would bolster their pitching staff, much like obtaining new talent at the deadline.
Yankees’ Setbacks and Lou Trivino’s Rehab
One of these athletes, Lou Trivino, has had a setback in his comeback. Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed on Sunday that Trivino had irritation in his surgically repaired right elbow last month, resulting in a month-long absence. This development will most certainly postpone his return to the team.
“Nothing ligament,” Boone explained before Sunday’s game against the Rays. “All of it is fine, but he was shut down. They think it’s insignificant.
The Yankees are paying Trivino $1.5 million this season, with a $5 million club option in 2025. Given his recent health difficulties, it is unclear whether the Yankees will exercise this option.
Trivino’s Performance and Recovery
Trivino, 32, is attempting to rebuild after missing the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery. His last MLB appearance came in 2022, with the Oakland Athletics and the Yankees. He struggled with Oakland, earning a 6.47 ERA, but after being dealt to the Yankees, he had a 1.66 ERA in 21.2 innings. While his strikeout rate fell, his ability to keep the ball on the ground and leave runners on base increased, with a left-on-base percentage of 83.9% and a ground ball rate of 51.7%.
The Yankees were successful in limiting the number of fly balls Trivino allowed, which led to fewer home runs conceded. If Trivino can regain the form he displayed in 2022 during the later half of this season, his contract will be a wise investment.
However, given the latest setback, his return may not be possible until August, as he will have to resume his rehabilitation program owing to elbow inflammation. Fortunately, the lack of ligament damage signals that his surgically repaired UCL is structurally sound.
Scott Effross is nearing his return.
Meanwhile, Scott Effross is doing well in his recuperation. He is presently throwing bullpen sessions in Tampa and is preparing to face real hitters. Effross, like Trivino, is recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he had at the end of the 2022 season. He also had back surgery this winter. The Yankees await his return in the coming months, hoping that he will help a bullpen that now has the highest ERA in baseball.
