The New York Yankees are already dealing with their first injury setback of the year, as reliever Jake Cousins is sidelined with a right forearm strain and could miss the start of the regular season. Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed the news during his first spring training press conference on Tuesday, explaining that Cousins hasn’t thrown in 15 days and is expected to be shut down for three to four weeks. While Boone expressed optimism that this is just a minor setback, forearm strains are often a red flag for pitchers, raising concerns about Cousins’ long-term availability.
Cousins, who posted an impressive 2.37 ERA over 37 games with the Yankees in 2024, was a standout performer last season with elite strikeout, whiff, and chase rates. However, his injury complicates his chances of making the Opening Day roster, especially given the Yankees’ deep bullpen options. With several relievers already locked into spots—including Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Fernando Cruz, Ian Hamilton, Tim Hill, and Mark Leiter Jr.—Cousins faces an uphill battle to secure his place. His minor-league option also gives the Yankees flexibility, but he’ll need to prove he’s fully recovered and ready to contribute.
The Yankees’ bullpen competition is further complicated by the presence of pitchers like JT Brubaker and prospect Yoendrys Gómez, who are out of minor-league options and must make the 26-man roster or risk being moved. Brubaker, acquired from the Pirates last year while recovering from Tommy John surgery, could emerge as a long-relief option if the Yankees trade Marcus Stroman, who is making $18 million in 2025 and could serve as a sixth starter or long reliever if needed.
Other contenders for bullpen spots include Scott Effross and Clayton Beeter, though both have minor-league options and could start the season in Triple-A. Beeter, acquired in the Joey Gallo trade, dealt with a shoulder issue this winter but is back to throwing and catching up this spring. Meanwhile, prospects like Will Warren and Yerry De Los Santos, along with waiver pickup Brent Headrick, add further depth to the Yankees’ 40-man roster.
Non-roster invitees also bring intrigue to the competition. Tyler Matzek, a key piece of the Braves’ 2021 World Series run, is looking to revive his career after injury-plagued seasons, while lefties Brandon Leibrandt and Jayvien Sandridge aim to impress. Geoff Hartleib, a name Boone mentioned as someone the organization is “excited about,” could also emerge as a dark horse candidate.
While the Yankees have a history of turning reclamation projects into valuable contributors—Cousins, Hill, and Weaver are recent examples—the sheer number of arms in camp means many won’t make the cut. Still, the team’s depth and track record of maximizing pitcher potential provide confidence that they can weather Cousins’ injury and still field a strong bullpen. As spring training progresses, the Yankees will have tough decisions to make, but their ability to develop and deploy effective relievers remains a key strength heading into the 2025 season.
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