Just when the Yankees bullpen seemed to be finding its stride, the team added a familiar but long-absent weapon into the mix — and it could be the move that makes all the difference this October.
Jonathan Loáisiga, the 30-year-old right-hander with a track record of dominance, has officially returned to the Yankees’ active roster after missing more than a year recovering from a UCL procedure on his right elbow. The club activated him over the weekend, and though his innings have been limited so far, his presence has already shifted the tone around the Yankees’ bullpen.
Loáisiga made his first major league appearance of the season earlier this month, tossing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts, no walks, and a barrage of weak contact — a return to form that has fans and coaches excited about what’s ahead.
“I was missing it. It feels incredible to be back,” Loáisiga said after his outing. “I’ve worked hard to get here. I’m just grateful for the opportunity and ready to help this team win.”
A Bullpen Reinforced
Before his return, the Yankees bullpen had been quietly climbing the MLB ranks, entering this week with a 3.47 ERA — good for top 10 in the league. Devin Williams has settled in as a dominant closer, but the middle innings and high-leverage spots had begun to show signs of wear. Loáisiga’s addition gives manager Aaron Boone a trusted, versatile option who can pitch in virtually any situation.
“Having Jonathan back is huge,” Boone said. “When he’s healthy, he’s one of the best. We’re going to ease him in, but he’s a guy we trust in the biggest moments.”
Flashes of the Past, Hopes for October
Loáisiga’s 2021 season remains one of the best by a Yankees reliever in recent memory: 70.2 innings, a 2.17 ERA, and the ability to shut down the heart of any lineup. But since then, injuries have plagued the Nicaraguan righty, including shoulder and elbow issues that sidelined him for most of 2022 through 2024.
Now healthy and throwing with confidence, Loáisiga is expected to be a central piece in the Yankees’ late-season strategy, especially as they eye a deep playoff run. His rehab numbers were strong — just one earned run over 7.1 innings across multiple appearances in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre — and his stuff has returned with sharp movement, even if the velocity is still building.
More Than Just Depth
Loáisiga isn’t merely bullpen depth — he’s a matchup-proof reliever who can handle the seventh, eighth, or even ninth inning depending on the situation. While the Yankees aren’t labeling him as a closer, Boone acknowledged the flexibility he brings to the back end of the bullpen.
And with the team’s heavy schedule in the coming weeks and the postseason slowly coming into view, his presence could prove to be a deciding factor in key games.
Upcoming Spotlight
Loáisiga is expected to see action during the Yankees’ current series at home against the Texas Rangers, which continues Tuesday and Wednesday at Yankee Stadium. With the bullpen taking on a heavier workload, fans should expect to see Loáisiga tested quickly.
If his arm holds up — and all signs so far suggest it will — the Yankees may have just quietly reloaded one of the most feared bullpens in baseball.
