The Yankees bullpen got deeper and more dangerous on Friday, albeit with a touch of added injury risk. Jonathan Loáisiga made his return from the injured list just in time for the Subway Series in The Bronx, marking his comeback 13 months after UCL surgery. The right-hander impressed by pitching a scoreless sixth inning in a 6-2 victory over the Mets, showcasing his high-90s sinker that reached speeds of 96-98 mph.
Loáisiga expressed his excitement about being back on the mound, stating, “A lot of adrenaline. I was missing it. I wanted to be out there, pitching for the team, pitching for the fans. I was really missing it and excited to be back.” Despite his extended absence, Loáisiga efficiently recorded three outs in just 12 pitches, demonstrating his readiness to contribute to the team’s bullpen. Manager Aaron Boone commended Loáisiga for his controlled performance, highlighting his ability to handle the pressure of a high-stakes game like the Subway Series.
The Yankees made room for Loáisiga by designating lefty reliever Tyler Matzek for assignment, a decision influenced by Matzek’s lackluster performance following his return from an oblique strain. While Loáisiga has been a reliable asset for the team when healthy, his recurring injuries have hampered his consistency on the field. Despite his impressive 2.98 ERA in 139 games between 2020 and 2024, Loáisiga’s history of shoulder strains, inflammation, and surgical procedures has raised concerns about his durability. However, his potential to dominate right-handed hitters with his power sinker adds a valuable dimension to the Yankees’ bullpen, which already boasts a solid 3.47 ERA, ranking ninth-best in the majors.
The decision to accelerate Loáisiga’s return was driven by his exceptional performance during his rehab assignment, prompting the team to forego the initial plan of having him pitch on consecutive days in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Boone emphasized the importance of managing Loáisiga’s workload and monitoring his recovery to prevent any setbacks. Despite the uncertainties surrounding Loáisiga’s injury history, the Yankees remain optimistic about his impact on the team’s pitching dynamics in the upcoming games. So, yeah, Loáisiga’s back and ready to bring the heat to the Yankees’ bullpen once again.
