Scott Effross’ Yankees comeback in jeopardy after Spring Training injury

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The New York Yankees suffered an early setback in spring training as right-handed reliever Scott Effross exited Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins after throwing just one pitch. Effross appeared to sustain a hamstring injury, potentially jeopardizing his long-awaited comeback to the mound.

The 30-year-old sidearmer immediately grabbed at his leg before walking off the mound with a team trainer, as reported by the New York Post. Following the Yankees’ 5-4 loss in Fort Myers, manager Aaron Boone confirmed Effross had suffered a hamstring injury and would undergo testing to determine its severity.

“This will be something we’ll have to see,” Boone told reporters.

Another setback for Effross?

Effross has endured a difficult stretch since joining the Yankees at the 2022 trade deadline. Initially acquired from the Chicago Cubs, he impressed in 13 appearances before undergoing Tommy John surgery just months later. More recently, he underwent back surgery in December 2023, further delaying his return from the elbow procedure.

As a result, Effross has pitched only 16 games for the Yankees. He spent most of last season recovering, logging 35 1/3 innings in the minors before making a brief return to the big leagues with 3 1/3 innings pitched.

The latest injury raises concerns about whether Effross can contribute meaningfully in 2024. The Yankees had hoped he could compete for a bullpen role this spring, but he needed a strong camp to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Ironically, Boone had spoken highly of Effross before Tuesday’s game, noting that he was one of the pitchers standing out in camp.

“Another handful of months removed from injury,” Boone said. “I feel like his stuff overall has been a little crisper.”

Now, his path back to the Yankees’ bullpen remains uncertain.

Yankees fall to Twins in Grapefruit League action

The Yankees dropped to 1-3 in Grapefruit League play after a 5-4 loss to the Twins. New York held a lead late in the game, but prospect Geoffrey Gilbert issued two walks and threw a wild pitch in the ninth inning, setting up Minnesota’s walk-off win.

The Yankees started strong as Ben Rice led off the first inning with a 111-mph single, his hardest-hit ball recorded. The 25-year-old first baseman has been hitting the ball harder than ever, which could be a promising sign as the team evaluates its offensive depth. Rice later contributed an RBI single in the fifth inning.

Outfielder Everson Pereira, competing for a bench role, put the Yankees on the board with a second-inning solo homer. The 24-year-old has flashed power in the minors but needs to prove he can consistently hit at the major league level.

Veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco made his Yankees debut, allowing a solo home run to Ty France but otherwise looking sharp. Without video footage, it’s difficult to fully assess his performance, but he threw 65% of his pitches for strikes, which is an encouraging sign.

Meanwhile, Spencer Jones continued his strong spring, recording a double and a walk. While he struck out once, both times he put the ball in play, he made solid contact. His power and plate discipline remain key factors in his development.

Yankees’ bullpen outlook

The Yankees reshaped their bullpen this offseason, most notably by acquiring former Brewers closer Devin Williams. The two-time NL Reliever of the Year is expected to take over as the team’s primary closer following Clay Holmes’ departure to the Mets.

Luke Weaver, a key figure in last year’s postseason run, is set to handle high-leverage situations alongside Jonathan Loáisiga, who is recovering from an elbow injury. The Yankees also added Fernando Cruz, who showed promise with the Reds, and Mark Leiter Jr., acquired at last year’s trade deadline. Left-hander Tim Hill returns as a veteran presence in the bullpen.

Effross was expected to be a part of that mix, but his latest injury complicates matters. While his elbow remains healthy, a hamstring issue could further delay his return. Given his injury history, the Yankees cannot afford to rely on him as a key piece until he proves he can stay on the field.

The Yankees return to action Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Right-hander Will Warren, a potential bullpen option for 2025, is set to make his first start of the spring. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.

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