The New York Yankees are making moves in their bullpen ahead of a crucial weekend series against the rival Boston Red Sox.
Following a series-clinching win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, the Yankees optioned left-hander Brent Headrick to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Headrick, who was claimed off waivers from the Twins before the season, had served as a depth piece in the bullpen after joining the team in spring training. He pitched 13.1 innings in the majors with a 4.73 ERA, and also recorded a 3.72 ERA over 9.2 innings in Triple-A.
To fill Headrick’s roster spot, the Yankees called up right-hander Scott Effross, giving him another opportunity after an injury-riddled stretch. Acquired from the Cubs at the 2022 trade deadline, Effross impressed early with a 2.13 ERA in 13 games before undergoing Tommy John surgery that October. He later required back surgery in 2023 and most recently suffered a hamstring injury during spring training, which delayed his 2025 debut.
Brent Headrick
Now healthy, Effross will look to stabilize the bullpen. Manager Aaron Boone said the decision to call him up was about needing coverage, noting that Effross has been “a little mixed” in his rehab outings.
In other pitching news, the Yankees are also anticipating the return of Luis Gil, the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year, who has been working his way back from a back injury suffered during spring training. Boone indicated that Gil is on schedule and expected to return by late June or early July, a boost for the rotation following Gerrit Cole’s season-ending surgery.
Despite injuries and roster shuffling, the Yankees remain atop the AL East and have a prime opportunity to extend their lead in this weekend’s pivotal three-game series against Boston.
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