Yankees’ Scott Effross getting closer to return after multiple surgeries
A reinforcement is getting closer (literally) to aiding a thin Yankees bullpen.
Scott Effross’ rehab assignment was moved from Low-A Tampa to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he was expected to make a third minor league appearance Wednesday night.
In his first two outings with Tampa, the righty threw three scoreless innings in which he allowed one hit and struck out four.
Effross is not on the cusp of a 2024 debut — “he’s still got a ways to go,” manager Aaron Boone said — but he could become an option in the coming weeks.
The Yankees, who suffered a 12-2 blowout loss to the Mets in Game 2 of the Subway Series at Citi Field, are trying to be careful with a pitcher who has undergone a pair of surgeries that have kept him off the field for a season and a half.
Effross last pitched on Oct. 3, 2022, after which he required Tommy John surgery that ensured he would miss that year’s postseason and the entirety of last season.
His comeback then got stalled by December 2023 back surgery that meant he would open this year on the 60-day injured list.
Before the setbacks began, Effross appeared to be a solid bullpen piece.
Acquired at the 2022 trade deadline from the Cubs, the now 30-year-old let up three earned runs in 12 ²/₃ innings with 12 strikeouts before the surgeries started.
The Yankees’ bullpen will accept him as soon as he is ready.
The once-stout unit has been hit hard this month — bringing a 4.54 June ERA into Wednesday’s Subway Series finale at Citi Field — and has lost significant arms in Ian Hamilton, Nick Burdi and Jonathan Loaisiga.
Victor Gonzalez, whom the Yankees designated for assignment on Friday, will remain in the organization.
The lefty cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
After losing to Sean Manaea, the Yankees are just 9-12 against left-handed starters this season.