The Yankees had ambitious plans for Jonathan Loáisiga this season, intending to utilize the talented right-hander as a multi-inning reliever until the All-Star break, after which they would have increased his workload to address late-inning situations.
However, those plans have been derailed. Loáisiga revealed on Saturday that he has been diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, necessitating season-ending surgery. Additionally, he suffered a right flexor strain during his most recent appearance against the D-backs on Wednesday.
Expressing his frustration, Loáisiga conveyed his disappointment at missing the remainder of the season, acknowledging the challenging situation he faces. Despite the setback, he emphasized his determination to return to the mound, drawing motivation from his desire to compete.
Loáisiga is scheduled for surgery with Dr. Keith Meister in Texas. Meister’s assessment of an MRI performed on Thursday indicates the possibility of avoiding a second Tommy John surgery, with an estimated recovery time of 10-12 months for the preferred procedure.
Reflecting on his experience, Loáisiga emphasized the importance of patience during the recovery process.
The Yankees approached Loáisiga’s spring training cautiously, limiting his outings due to his history of injuries. Since the start of the 2021 season, Loáisiga has been placed on the injured list five times due to pitching-related issues.
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Loáisiga’s injury-prone history and expressed hope to avoid further setbacks by managing his usage similarly to Michael King’s early-season approach last year.
Loáisiga, who appeared in three games this season, expressed disappointment at the sudden turn of events, noting his positive feelings leading up to the injury. He credited the team’s strategy but acknowledged the unpredictability of sports.
With Loáisiga sidelined, Boone plans to rely heavily on Ian Hamilton and Dennis Santana to set up for closer Clay Holmes.
The injury raises questions about Loáisiga’s future with the Yankees, especially considering his contract status and impending free agency. However, Loáisiga remains focused on his recovery and returning to the field.
