The New York Yankees bolstered their bullpen on Friday by activating Jonathan Loáisiga from the injured list. The right-hander had appeared in only three games last season before suffering a torn UCL that required Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. Despite the injury during his contract year, Loáisiga re-signed with the Yankees on a one-year, $5 million deal, which includes a club option for 2026.
Now 30, Loáisiga has spent his entire seven-year MLB career with the Yankees, compiling a 3.44 ERA over 219.2 innings. His standout season came in 2021, when he gave up just 17 earned runs and three home runs across 70.2 innings.
During his recent minor league rehab stint, the Nicaragua native showed he’s close to top form, allowing only one run on three hits while striking out nine over 7.1 innings. Known for his high-velocity fastball that can touch the upper 90s, Loáisiga adds some much-needed heat to a Yankees bullpen that’s been effective but lacking in power arms.
To clear space on the roster, the Yankees designated left-hander Tyler Matzek for assignment. Matzek, 34, began the season on the IL and struggled in limited action, giving up runs in three of his seven outings. His departure leaves Tim Hill as the only lefty in the bullpen, assuming Ryan Yarbrough continues to pitch out of the rotation.
In addition, the Yankees announced that Clayton Beeter has been activated from the minor league injured list and assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Beeter, recovering from a shoulder impingement, appeared in three games for the Yankees last season and is currently ranked No. 20 among the team’s prospects by MLB Pipeline. The club previously announced Beeter is transitioning to a full-time relief role, capitalizing on his explosive fastball-slider combination.
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