MAJOR-SETBACK; Injury Chaos: Yankees Hit Hard By Injuries Before 2025 Season Even Starts: 8 Key Players on IL – Can They Bounce Back?

The New York Yankees are entering the 2025 season with optimism, but they’re facing a major hurdle right from the start: a series of injuries that have left their roster shaken. On Tuesday, the team officially placed eight players on the injured list, reducing their roster to 26 and raising serious concerns about depth across multiple positions. Here’s a breakdown of the moves and their impact.

Clayton Beeter (Shoulder Impingement) – 15-day IL
Right-handed pitcher Clayton Beeter, who showed some promise during spring training, has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. Although Beeter wasn’t expected to make the Opening Day roster, this injury delays any potential call-up plans. He remains an interesting prospect, and if healthy, could contribute to the bullpen later in the season.

JT Brubaker (Rib Fractures) – 15-day IL
Acquired from the Pirates last season, JT Brubaker was still recovering from Tommy John surgery when he suffered left rib fractures. This setback pushes back his anticipated debut for 2025, which was already expected to come in the second half of the season. The Yankees had hoped to use him as rotation depth, but that role is now on hold.

Scott Effross (Hamstring Strain) – 15-day IL
After missing most of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery, Scott Effross appeared ready to rejoin the bullpen this spring. However, a left hamstring strain has now sidelined him. Effross was projected as a key middle reliever, and the Yankees will need to be patient as they wait for his recovery.

Ian Hamilton (Viral Illness) – 15-day IL
Ian Hamilton, a key piece of the Yankees bullpen since 2023, is now dealing with a viral illness. While Hamilton is healthy enough to pitch, he isn’t yet ready to handle back-to-back outings. The Yankees are giving him extra time to recover, and he’s expected to return in the first few weeks of the season.

DJ LeMahieu (Calf Strain) – 10-day IL
Veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering left calf strain that has bothered him since early March. After a disappointing 2024 season, LeMahieu’s offensive role is in question. Though he’s starting to ramp up baseball activities, he could be limited to a bench role when he returns.

Jonathan Loáisiga (Elbow Recovery) – 15-day IL
Jonathan Loáisiga, who underwent elbow surgery last year, was always expected to miss the start of the season. His recovery is progressing slowly, and there’s no clear timetable for his return. When healthy, Loáisiga is one of the bullpen’s most dominant arms, but staying healthy has been a challenge.

Clarke Schmidt (Rotator Cuff Tendonitis) – 15-day IL
Clarke Schmidt, who was expected to be a part of the starting rotation, is sidelined with right rotator cuff tendonitis. The Yankees hope he will return by mid-April, and he’s already begun light throwing. In the meantime, veteran Carlos Carrasco and rookie Will Warren have secured spots in the rotation.

Giancarlo Stanton (Elbow Tendinitis) – 10-day IL
Giancarlo Stanton’s placement on the 10-day IL comes as no surprise, given that he hasn’t swung a bat in weeks due to tendinitis in both elbows and a lingering calf injury. There’s no clear timeline for his return, and it’s possible he may not play until the second half of the season — if at all. For now, Ben Rice will take over as the primary designated hitter.

While the Yankees are accustomed to dealing with injuries, having eight key players sidelined before the season even starts is a heavy burden. With limited depth and several aging veterans, they’ll need a few unexpected performances and breakout players to keep their season on track.