Yankees Bullpen Hit Hard as Jake Cousins Faces Likely Season-Ending Injury
The New York Yankees’ bullpen woes continue to mount, and things have taken a turn for the worse.
Right-hander Jake Cousins, one of the team’s more dependable depth options who was expected to return later in the season, is now unlikely to pitch again in 2025. After beginning a rehab stint, Cousins experienced elbow pain that was later diagnosed as a UCL injury — a blow that could sideline him for the rest of the year.
This kind of setback, though not loud, can quietly shake up a bullpen’s structure and force the front office to make earlier-than-planned roster moves.
Cousins Was an Unsung Hero
Before his injury, Cousins had been quietly delivering one of the more effective campaigns among Yankees relievers. Over 38 innings, the 29-year-old recorded a 2.37 ERA, relying on a devastating slider and a lively sinking fastball.
While he didn’t garner headlines, Cousins was the type of pitcher who could keep the game under control in high-leverage situations — a crucial role for any team with playoff ambitions.
Bullpen Depth Is Thinning
Recently, the Yankees’ relief corps has shown signs of wear. The long grind of the season, combined with a handful of lopsided games, has led to overuse of key bullpen arms.
With Cousins now out of the equation, the team loses another reliable right-handed option, further complicating their depth chart and increasing the urgency to explore trade possibilities.
The unit isn’t falling apart just yet, but it’s not operating at full strength — more like relying on a temporary fix that can’t last forever.
Trade Deadline Pressure Mounts for Brian Cashman
GM Brian Cashman was likely already exploring bullpen upgrades ahead of the deadline, but the loss of Cousins makes it a priority. The Yankees now need a middle reliever who can handle innings and pressure without unraveling.
That’s a tall order during trade season, when competition is fierce and prices soar. Cashman must now choose between paying a premium for proven help or rolling the dice on untested internal arms.
Starting Rotation Must Step Up
With the bullpen stretched thin, the Yankees will need more from their starters. Getting deeper into games will give the relievers a much-needed breather and help prevent further breakdowns.
Cousins’ injury is a reminder of how one domino can disrupt an entire pitching staff. Unless a move is made soon, the Yankees will need to solve this problem internally — and quickly.
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