Ian Hamilton‘s 2024 season has been a tale of two halves, following an impressive 2023 campaign. The first part of the year saw Hamilton struggle to meet expectations, posting a 4.55 ERA across 27 appearances before a lat strain sidelined him in mid-June. During that stretch, opposing hitters fared well against him, batting .287 with a .368 on-base percentage.
However, since returning from the injured list, Hamilton has shown a significant turnaround. In three appearances covering 3.1 innings, he has given up just one hit while striking out six and issuing no walks, flashing signs of his 2023 form.
Hamilton’s resurgence comes at a crucial time for the Yankees, who have faced inconsistencies in their bullpen all season. His potential impact was on display during Sunday’s game against the Red Sox, where he entered a high-pressure situation and struck out two batters to help secure a win.
“Definitely took some time to get back into some healthier mechanics and trying to use the body a little bit better,” Hamilton explained. “Now just kind of trying to let things rip. It’s a good time for everyone to be coming together right now.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has been vocal in his praise for Hamilton, highlighting his ability to consistently hit the strike zone and the sharpness of his pitches. Boone noted the effectiveness of Hamilton’s sinker, fastball, and his hybrid slambio pitch, adding that Hamilton has been excelling at getting ahead in counts.
“His stuff’s real crisp,” Yankees’ Boone said on Sunday. “I feel like his sinker, his heater and the slambio – he’s just been really sharp with really good stuff. I feel like I’m looking up there and it’s 0-2 all the time. Good to see.”
Hamilton’s return also aligns with a strategic shift in the Yankees’ bullpen, moving away from a traditional closer role to a more flexible, matchup-driven approach. This strategy has seen different pitchers, including Luke Weaver and Tommy Kahnle, step into save situations.
With Hamilton’s track record of success against left-handed hitters and experience in closing at various levels, there is growing speculation that he could soon be called upon for save opportunities if his recent form continues. His evolving role further underscores his importance to the Yankees’ late-inning strategy as the postseason looms.
Yankees relief crops gaining vital strength ahead of playoffs
The Yankees’ bullpen, which has seen 26 different relievers this season, is poised for a narrative shift as the season enters its final stretch. After struggling for much of the year, including a notable implosion by Clay Holmes on September 3 in Texas, the relief corps has shown significant improvement.
“I’m enjoying it,” Boone told about the recent relief performance. “I’m enjoying just the focus of that group down there and how well they’re throwing the ball.”
Following a series of poor performances, including a game where Scott Effross, Ron Marinaccio, and Phil Bickford were used in mop-up duty, the Yankees have successfully recalibrated their bullpen strategy. Holmes, removed from closing duties, has found success in other roles.
The turnaround began with a shutout against the Cubs on September 6, highlighted by Luke Weaver’s first career save. Since then, the Yankees have effectively managed their relief pitchers.
Prior to the Texas series, the Yankees’ bullpen ranked 8th worst in value according to FanGraphs, with a mediocre 3.89 ERA. However, in the subsequent 10 games, they’ve surged to second most valuable, boasting a league-leading 1.16 ERA.
The Yankees’ bullpen transformation extends beyond Clay Holmes’ removal from the closer role. Several relievers have stepped up in high-pressure situations, with Luke Weaver emerging as a key figure. Since the restructuring, Weaver has secured two saves and struck out 12 batters in 5 2/3 scoreless innings.
“He’s been outstanding,” Boone told about Weaver’s Friday closing. “I’m obviously comfortable with him in any situation.”
Ian Hamilton, who excelled last season before facing challenges in early 2024, has also made a significant impact. After battling intermittent shoulder soreness and a lat strain diagnosed in mid-June, the 29-year-old right-hander has returned in top form. His velocity has increased, and his “slambio” pitch has been particularly effective. In September, Hamilton has pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out six.
Hamilton’s prowess was on display Sunday when he entered a tense situation with a runner on third and one out in the sixth inning. He efficiently struck out two batters on just eight pitches.
This revamped bullpen appears to have found its optimal personnel configuration just as the most crucial part of the baseball season approaches.
The Yankees’ bullpen has finally emerged as a strength, addressing a season-long concern about its effectiveness compared to previous years. This transformation has been driven by unexpected contributors, with Jake Cousins potentially becoming the 2024 equivalent of last season’s surprise, Ian Hamilton.
Acquired from the White Sox in late March, Cousins brought an elite slider and a history of injuries, including UCL and shoulder issues. Despite these setbacks, he had maintained a 3.08 ERA in 51 games with the Brewers from 2021-23 when healthy. Since joining the Yankees in late June, Cousins has impressed with a 2.34 ERA across 34 appearances.
“I’ve always thrown well, I’ve just had injuries,” Cousins told on Sunday. “And in the past I’ve walked a lot of people. And this year I’m just trying not to walk people and trying to attack them. So I think the biggest difference is just I’m getting myself into better counts.”
The bullpen’s resurgence also features the reliable Tommy Kahnle and emerging left-handers Tim Hill and Tim Mayza. While deadline acquisition Mark Leiter Jr. has shown inconsistency despite his potential, the Yankees seem to have uncovered enough talent to succeed without heavily relying on him.
This revitalized relief corps may have finally found its core group of effective pitchers, potentially solving the team’s bullpen puzzle.
“I do feel like a lot of guys are throwing the ball really well and capable of getting the last outs,” the Yankees manager said following the series win over Boston. “I feel like because the group … complements each other very well — meaning some are just more equipped to get righties or lefties, or a little bit of both, some are ground ball, some fly ball — I feel like that mixture, that complement, hopefully serves them all well.”
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