Houston — The New York Yankees announced multiple roster moves Monday while continuing to manage a long list of injuries before opening their series against the Houston Astros.
Ryan Yarbrough activated from Yankees’ injured list
The Yankees reinstated left-hander Ryan Yarbrough from the 15-day injured list. He had been out since June 20 with a right oblique strain.
Yarbrough made his final rehab start Aug. 26 for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, throwing 63 pitches and recording 47 strikes against Syracuse. He will now work as a reliever, with the ability to cover several innings if needed.
“He was huge for us in whatever role,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He was really a valuable part of our pitching staff and excited to get him back.”
Austin Slater continues rehab assignment
Yankees outfielder Austin Slater is moving closer to a return from a left hamstring strain suffered Aug. 5. He began a rehab stint with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Aug. 29, played again Aug. 31, and is scheduled for another game Tuesday.
The Yankees are hopeful Slater will soon rejoin the major league roster. Boone said his presence, along with Amed Rosario, gives the team better options against left-handed pitching.
“We’re so much more flexible and so much more able to maneuver on the bench now and gain matchups,” Boone said. “Austin’s one of those guys. Him and Rosario coming in, the success they’ve had against left-handed pitching, just gives us another added dimension and more depth from a position player standpoint.”
Aaron Judge limited to Yankees’ DH duties
Team captain Aaron Judge is continuing a throwing program as he works back from a right flexor strain. He has been tossing from distances up to 150 feet and making throws to second base, though not at full velocity.
Since coming off the injured list, Judge has been limited to designated hitter appearances. Boone said Aug. 28 that “the timetable remains unclear for Judge to return to outfield play.”
Brent Headrick making progress from forearm injury
Left-hander Brent Headrick is still on the injured list after being hit by a line drive Aug. 13, resulting in a left forearm contusion. The move was made retroactive to Aug. 16.
X-rays and CT scans came back clear, and Boone noted Aug. 31 that Headrick has been throwing bullpen sessions. The Yankees expect him back sometime in September.
Jonathan Loaisiga suffers season-ending setback
Reliever Jonathan Loaisiga’s season ended after he sustained a right flexor strain during a rehab outing on Aug. 17. Dr. Keith Meister confirmed the diagnosis.
Loáisiga had been on the injured list since Aug. 3, retroactive to Aug. 2. Boone said on Aug. 28 that “Loáisiga’s injury is season-ending.” He is not expected back until 2026.
Gerrit Cole begins throwing program
Ace Gerrit Cole resumed throwing Aug. 11 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in Los Angeles on March 11. The procedure was a complete UCL reconstruction with an internal brace.
Cole was placed on the 60-day injured list March 22. The Yankees have set a 14-month recovery timeline from the date of surgery, with his return targeted for May 2026.
Clarke Schmidt recovering from elbow surgery
Right-hander Clarke Schmidt had Tommy John surgery July 11, his second such procedure. Unlike his first operation, this one involved an internal brace rather than a full reconstruction.
He was placed on the injured list July 4 and moved to the 60-day IL on July 30. Schmidt said July 28 his recovery window is 11 to 13 months. His likely return is in 2027.
Oswaldo Cabrera recovering from ankle surgery
Infielder Oswaldo Cabrera underwent surgery May 15 to repair a fractured left ankle and ligament damage. He was injured May 13 and placed on the 10-day injured list before being transferred to the 60-day IL on June 19.
Boone has said it is “probably unlikely” Cabrera plays again this season. On June 5, Cabrera reported that rehab was going well and that he was using a scooter and protective boot. His projected return is in 2026.
J.C. Escarra recalled from Triple-A
Catcher J.C. Escarra was called up from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to temporarily fill a roster spot while Slater continues his rehab. His stay is expected to be short-term, depending on Slater’s progress.
September call-ups announced
The Yankees confirmed their September call-ups Monday, adding Escarra and Yarbrough to the active roster. More roster adjustments are possible as injured players complete their assignments in the coming weeks.
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