Ian Hamilton set to return from IL, bolstering Yankees’ bullpen

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The New York Yankees are set to receive a crucial boost to their bullpen as right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton is expected to be activated from the injured list on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. This news, first reported by Greg Joyce of the New York Post, comes at a critical juncture for the Yankees, who have struggled to find stability in their bullpen.

Yankees set to reinforce bullpen with Ian Hamilton’s return

Ian Hamilton, 29, has been sidelined since June 18 due to a right lat strain. During his rehabilitation, he faced a minor setback when he was scratched from a Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders game on August 30 due to back spasms. However, he quickly recovered and returned to the mound on Wednesday, retiring all five batters he faced. Hamilton’s rehab appearances were otherwise flawless, as he pitched four perfect innings over three appearances between the Double-A Somerset Patriots and the Triple-A RailRiders.

Hamilton had a breakout season in 2023, appearing in a career-high 39 games and posting a 2.64 ERA, 2.82 FIP, and 1.22 WHIP. Despite a 10.9% walk rate, he managed to strike out 28.9% of batters faced, quickly earning the trust of manager Aaron Boone. His 2024 season, however, has been more challenging, with an increased ERA (4.55), FIP (3.32), and WHIP (1.58), compounded by two stints on the IL.

Despite these setbacks, Hamilton’s ability to generate swings and misses remains a valuable asset for the Yankees. He has maintained a 35.1% chase rate, a 22.1% strikeout rate, and a solid whiff rate, providing much-needed depth and versatility to the Yankees’ relief corps. This skillset could make him a viable option in the team’s “closer by committee” approach, a strategy they’ve adopted following the struggles of Clay Holmes in the closer role.

The Yankees’ bullpen has been in flux for much of the season. With Holmes struggling to find consistency, the team has been forced to rotate several arms in high-leverage situations. While Hamilton’s 2024 numbers may not be as impressive as his previous season, his ability to generate strikeouts could bring much-needed stability to the bullpen, particularly in late-inning scenarios.

Hamilton’s return could also allow Boone to manage other bullpen arms more effectively, potentially using Hamilton in a variety of roles depending on the game’s situation. Regardless of his specific usage, Hamilton’s presence will be a welcome addition to a team looking to solidify its pitching staff as it makes a push for the playoffs.

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