TAMPA, Fla. — Jonathan Loaisiga is once again facing a significant health setback that could signal the end of his time with the New York Yankees. The right-handed reliever has been diagnosed with a right flexor strain following a failed rehab appearance, manager Aaron Boone confirmed on August 20, 2025.
This latest injury almost certainly rules out a return this season and casts serious doubt over the Yankees exercising his $5 million club option for 2026. The development continues a concerning pattern of arm issues that have restricted Loaisiga to only 50 games across the last three years.
Injury issues escalate after brief rehab outing
Jonathan Loaisiga was initially placed on the 15-day injured list on August 3 due to mid-back tightness after a difficult outing against the Marlins. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and pitched one scoreless inning on August 18. The following day, he reported discomfort in his triceps and elbow.
Latest diagnosis mirrors 2024 procedure
This injury brings back memories of 2024 when Loaisiga missed almost the entire year following UCL surgery performed by Dr. Keith Meister. That procedure was also related to a flexor strain.
“It’s kind of been pretty much something every year that’s either tripped him up for sometimes short periods of time, obviously sometimes longer,” Boone said, noting Loaisiga ’s ongoing injury issues.
Struggles mount during Loaisiga’s 2025 campaign
The 30-year-old reliever has had a challenging year, posting a 4.25 ERA in 29.2 innings. He has surrendered seven home runs across 30 appearances. Those numbers stand in stark contrast to his breakout 2021 season, when he posted a 2.17 ERA over 70.2 innings and was considered one of the most dominant bullpen arms in baseball.
Given his history, the Yankees’ medical team is proceeding cautiously. Loaisiga ’s injuries over the years include Tommy John surgery in 2016, recurring shoulder issues, and a procedure in 2023 to remove bone spurs in his elbow. Since the start of the 2023 season, he has logged just 99.1 innings due to repeated injuries.
Club option in jeopardy as uncertainty grows
The injury comes at a critical time contract-wise. Loaisiga signed a one-year deal worth $5 million in December 2024. The Yankees hold a $5 million club option for 2026. Analysts, including MLB Trade Rumors, had already speculated that his inconsistent season would prompt the Yankees to decline the option.
A season-ending arm injury may leave the club with little choice but to part ways.
Loaisiga is currently among the higher-paid relievers in New York’s bullpen, alongside closer Devin Williams. However, his reduced spin rates, elevated hard-hit metrics, and inability to stay healthy have cast doubt on his future with the organization.
“When he’s going good, I don’t know if there’s much better in the league, frankly,” Boone said. “But his seasons have been interrupted pretty much every year.”
Bullpen depth eases pressure
The Yankees have made significant moves to fortify their bullpen in recent months, acquiring Williams, David Bednar, Fernando Cruz, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird. This added depth helps mitigate the impact of Loaisiga ’s absence.
Pitching coach Matt Blake had previously alluded to upcoming “hard decisions” if all arms were healthy at once. Loaisiga ’s injury may simplify those decisions by removing one name from a crowded relief mix.
General Manager Brian Cashman had identified Loaisiga as a major internal boost when he signed the short-term deal. However, the recurring health issues continue to complicate that plan.
Medical evaluations to determine next steps
The Yankees are consulting multiple specialists to assess whether Loaisiga will need another surgery. Flexor strains can sometimes lead to more serious elbow problems, and his history with UCL damage adds to the concern.
The outcome of these medical evaluations could affect not only the remainder of the 2025 season but also whether Loaisiga is able to contribute in 2026.
With a 3.54 career ERA over 193 games, Loaisiga has proven himself when healthy. His 2021 season included 69 strikeouts, a 1.02 WHIP, and strong contact suppression, earning him a spot among the game’s elite relievers.
But his recurring injuries have raised questions inside the Yankees organization about whether he can be counted on moving forward.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
