Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga has disclosed to reporters, including MLB .com’s Bryan Hoch, that he will undergo surgery to address a torn UCL. This procedure differs from Tommy John surgery, offering a shorter recovery period of 10-12 months. Nevertheless, Loaisiga will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 season.
New York had already transferred Loaisiga to the 60-day injured list, citing a right flexor strain, a move indicating a potentially severe injury. Unfortunately, his 2024 season concludes prematurely after only three games and four scoreless innings.
This injury marks the most significant setback yet in the career of the 29-year-old pitcher. When he has been able to play, Loaisiga has been highly effective, boasting impressive stats across 219 2/3 MLB innings. Since transitioning to full-time relief pitching in 2021, his performance has notably improved, posting a 2.17 ERA in 70 2/3 innings over 57 appearances that year.
However, injuries have persistently plagued Loaisiga throughout his career. Despite a standout 2021 season, he missed about a month due to a rotator cuff strain and a stint on the COVID-related injury list. Similarly, in 2022, he was sidelined for about seven weeks with shoulder inflammation, and in 2023, he was limited to just 17.2 innings due to various ailments, including elbow inflammation and surgery to remove a bone spur. Additionally, he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2016.
Given his impending free agency, this injury casts doubt on Loaisiga’s future with the Yankees. While the team may be hesitant to commit to a player with recurring health issues, Loaisiga’s market value could be lower coming off a season cut short by injury. Despite the uncertainty, a low-cost, one-year contract for 2025 remains a possibility if both parties believe in his potential to return to form.
From Loaisiga’s perspective, the UCL injury is a significant setback, jeopardizing what could have been a lucrative free-agent deal. Although he may not boast the highest strikeout numbers, his ability to induce soft contact and ground balls would have garnered attention from potential suitors. Nonetheless, if he can demonstrate his fitness, he may still attract interest as a value signing in free agency.
With several pitchers, including Scott Effross and Lou Trivino, facing injury recoveries, the Yankees’ bullpen depth is in question. Furthermore, Gerrit Cole’s health remains uncertain as he recovers from nerve inflammation. Despite these challenges, the Yankees have a history of developing bullpen talent and may seek additional acquisitions to bolster their roster as the season progresses.
