The New York Yankees, currently trying to snap out of a slump, made a noteworthy roster adjustment before their second game against the Los Angeles Angels. The team announced Tuesday that pitcher JT Brubaker has returned from his rehab assignment after recovering from fractured ribs sustained during spring training.
However, the Yankees haven’t yet clarified his status on the major league roster — he could still be designated for assignment, depending on how the team proceeds.
Brubaker, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2022 due to Tommy John surgery, suffered another setback this spring after taking a line drive to the chest, which resulted in three fractured ribs. During his rehab stint in the Yankees’ minor league system, he appeared in six games, throwing 21.1 innings with 17 strikeouts and a 3.38 ERA. His most impressive outing came recently, where he gave up one run without allowing a hit and issued just two walks over five innings.
The Yankees traded for Brubaker in 2024 from the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he had previously made 28 starts in 2022, posting a 3-12 record with a 4.69 ERA. Although those stats may not be eye-popping, history suggests that when the Yankees pick up a pitcher from the margins, there’s usually a plan behind it.
While he may be used out of the bullpen, all six of Brubaker’s recent rehab appearances were as a starter, and he has only made two MLB appearances as a reliever in his career. Given that the Yankees have announced starters for their next three games, his role remains unclear — possibly a long reliever or a spot starter.
The Yankees’ pitching staff has remained solid despite the team’s current four-game losing streak. Their offense has been the bigger issue — New York hasn’t scored a run in 21 consecutive innings and hasn’t held a lead in a game since last Thursday.
There could be more changes coming, too. Marcus Stroman appears close to returning from the injured list. He recently struck out four batters over 46 pitches in a rehab start with Double-A Somerset, suggesting another arm could soon be added to the mix.
