Yankees injury update: Latest on bullpen, Bellinger’s sore back, rotation return

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Just seven games into the 2025 campaign, the Yankees‘ promising start faces mounting challenges as injuries accumulate throughout the roster. Relief pitcher Scott Effross encountered another setback in his rehabilitation process, while outfielder Cody Bellinger missed Friday’s contest with back discomfort. Though several pitchers appear on track for imminent returns, these early-season health issues are already testing organizational depth.

Let’s find out the Yankees’ latest injury updates.

Yankees bullpen injury: Effross rehab hits bump

A hamstring setback has derailed Scott Effross’ return to the bullpen, manager Aaron Boone confirmed Friday. The right-handed reliever, who initially strained his hamstring on the opening pitch of his second spring training appearance on February 25, now faces an indefinite delay in his recovery timeline.

Boone provided no specific return date for Effross, leaving open the possibility that this latest issue could negate the progress achieved throughout March.

The reliever’s tenure in pinstripes since being acquired from Chicago at the 2022 trade deadline has been limited to just 16 appearances. His absence in 2023 stemmed from Tommy John surgery recovery, followed by a back procedure in December 2023. Though he briefly returned for the final month of 2024, Effross now finds himself sidelined again.

Three bullpen arms near return

Ian Hamilton (delayed by a spring infection) maintains his trajectory toward rejoining the bullpen during next week’s Detroit series. Following his season-opening IL placement, Hamilton has completed rehabilitation outings and appears ready for activation.

Tyler Matzek (oblique strain) has progressed to facing hitters in Tampa, with a rehabilitation assignment at Class-A Tampa imminent. Boone anticipates the left-hander will return before May. Matzek, who joined as a non-roster invitee with championship experience from Atlanta, was competing for an Opening Day roster spot before his injury.

Jake Cousins (forearm strain) sits approximately one week away from mound work, though his major league return remains undetermined. The organization transferred him to the 60-day IL on Opening Day to create 40-man roster flexibility.

Boone downplays Bellinger’s injury scare

Cody Bellinger, among New York’s premier offseason acquisitions, sat out Friday’s 9-4 victory over Pittsburgh with back stiffness developed during Thursday’s Arizona contest. Boone characterized the decision as preventative, citing reluctance to exacerbate the condition following overnight travel.

“Not something I want to mess with,” Boone explained. “I just felt like, ‘Let’s give it a day to try to calm it down.'”

Bellinger reported moderate improvement Friday morning, with Boone indicating bench availability if necessary. During Bellinger’s absence, Trent Grisham patrolled center field for his second consecutive start. Jasson Domínguez continues his productive play in left field, while Aaron Judge maintains his right field position.

Luis Gil set for return in 10 days

Luis Gil, last season’s American League Rookie of the Year, continues recovering from a severe lat strain and remains 7-10 days from initiating light-throwing activities. Boone indicated Gil likely faces at least three months of recovery time.

Schmidt set for return against the Royals

Clarke Schmidt’s return to the New York Yankees rotation is approaching, with his season debut targeted for either April 15 or 16 when the team faces the Kansas City Royals. The right-hander has been sidelined while recovering from tendinitis in his right rotator cuff. His rehabilitation process advances significantly this Saturday when he takes the mound for Double-A Somerset in their game at Hartford, marking his first competitive appearance since pitching in a March 11 spring training contest against the Baltimore Orioles.

Yankees cautious on Goldschmidt

The organization exercises particular caution with back-related issues after Paul Goldschmidt, another winter addition, experienced similar problems late in spring. Goldschmidt responded positively to rest and subsequently performed without limitations.

Stanton progress encouraging

Despite Effross’ discouraging prognosis, Boone delivered more positive news regarding five other injured players:

Giancarlo Stanton continues the gradual progression from bilateral elbow tendinitis that prevented spring training participation. Currently, Stanton takes swings against a high-velocity Trajekt machine while working to rebuild strength.

“I’ve got to catch up,” Stanton acknowledged earlier this week. “It depends on timing and how fast I feel comfortable in the box.”

The veteran slugger anticipates needing minor league at-bats before rejoining New York’s lineup. While his three PRP injections during spring training provided relief, Stanton recognized ongoing pain management challenges ahead.

He further acknowledged that ongoing pain management would remain necessary even after his return to the lineup for the foreseeable future.

Stanton, who connected for seven postseason home runs during last year’s playoff run, hasn’t dismissed potential surgery if discomfort persists—an option that would conclude his 2025 campaign.

Navigating health and performance balance

The Yankees, despite their successful start to 2025, already face significant injury challenges. With Stanton and Effross timelines uncertain, and key relievers like Matzek, Hamilton, and Cousins still progressing toward returns, organizational depth becomes increasingly vital for sustaining momentum through May.

The front office remains optimistic that by June, their healthy core featuring Judge, Bellinger, Domínguez, and Goldschmidt will be complemented by a fully operational bullpen and potentially Stanton’s comeback.

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