The New York Yankees are facing a significant injury concern as spring training begins.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed Tuesday that top reliever Jake Cousins has been sidelined by a right forearm strain. Cousins won’t resume throwing for at least one to two weeks, putting his Opening Day availability in question.
Jake Cousins has a right forearm strain and is not expected to resume throwing until next week, Aaron Boone said. His status for Opening Day is uncertain. #Yankees pic.twitter.com/xVALVIGQnB
— Bronx Bombers News (@NewsBronx) February 11, 2025
“Seems like it’s going well and he’s on track to start throwing hopefully at some point next week or the following week and then build up from there,” Boone said, via the New York Post. “So, that could leak into Opening Day perhaps. But we’ll have to see.”
Cousins emerged as one of the Yankees’ top bullpen arms in 2024 after being acquired from the Chicago White Sox early in the season. The right-hander posted impressive numbers over 37 innings, including a 2.37 ERA, 175 ERA+, and 53 strikeouts against 20 walks. His 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings highlighted his dominance, despite a 4.7 walk rate.
This isn’t Cousins’ first recent health concern. He missed time in September with a right pec strain, though he did return for the playoffs.
In additional injury news, Boone reported that pitcher Clayton Beeter experienced a shoulder issue but has progressed to throwing side sessions.
The Yankees begin their spring training schedule with pitchers and catchers working out on Feb. 12, followed by the first full-squad workout on Feb. 17.
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