The New York Yankees made a roster change shortly after suffering their third consecutive shutout loss, marking a franchise first since September 2016. Despite ongoing struggles at the plate, the move focused on the bullpen rather than addressing the offense directly. The team sent pitcher Scott Effross back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room for J.T. Brubaker, who will be activated for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Angels.
Effross, a right-handed sidearm pitcher, was recalled from Triple-A last Thursday and pitched a scoreless ninth inning in his season debut. Despite his solid performance, allowing only one hit and recording a strikeout, he was optioned back after the Yankees’ fifth straight loss overall. This move was part of a pre-planned bullpen adjustment rather than a reaction to recent results.
Brubaker, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in March 2024, is returning to major league action for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2023. He also missed the start of the current season due to a broken rib sustained during spring training. Though mostly a starter in Pittsburgh, Brubaker will take on the role of long reliever for the Yankees.
Since May 18, Brubaker has made six rehab appearances across three minor league levels, posting a 2.95 ERA with 17 strikeouts in just over 21 innings pitched. While pitching for the Pirates, Brubaker struggled, compiling a 9-28 record with a 4.99 ERA in 63 outings from 2020 to 2022, with nearly all appearances as a starter.
The Yankees are hopeful that Brubaker’s return will bolster their bullpen as they continue to face offensive difficulties. With the team enduring a rough patch and three straight shutouts, changes like this are part of an effort to stabilize and improve performance moving forward.
