The New York Yankees’ bullpen has been plunging down the standings in recent weeks, with Clay Holmes blowing another save on Friday, giving up a game-tying home run to Masataka Yoshida in the ninth inning. The Yankees went on to lose the game in extra innings, further deflating their confidence and putting them in a bad position heading into the All-Star break.
Scott Effross is expected to strengthen the bullpen.
However, with 30-year-old Scott Effross on the verge of returning, the organization is looking for a vital bullpen reinforcement. Manager Aaron Boone stated on Saturday that Effross is “getting closer” to a return. The Yankees last saw Effross on the mound in 2022, when they acquired him from the Chicago Cubs. He pitched 12.2 innings for them, with a 2.13 ERA, before sustaining a UCL injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery.
Effross’s Promising Rehabilitation and Unique Pitching Style
Effross has tossed 71.1 innings in his MLB career, and after missing the previous year of play, the Yankees are hopeful he can turn back the clock and provide the value they perceived when they first got him two years ago. Effross has made six rehab appearances, four of them in Triple-A. He’s allowed three earned runs in his first 4.1 innings with the Yankees’ top minor-league team.
Effross has a unique arm slot that causes considerable movement and deviation on his throws. In 2022, he had an estimated ERA of 2.51, ranking in the 95th percentile, and a barrel percentage of 4%, placing him in the 94th percentile. He earned a 94th percentile off-speed run rating, showing that his pitches had tremendous movement that opposing hitters couldn’t handle. During his greatest season, he threw his slider 40.2% of the time at speeds slightly less than 80 mph. It produced a.149 batting average, with 40.3 inches of vertical movement and 12.5 inches of horizontal break.
A critical piece for the Yankees’ bullpen.
Effross also has a sinker and change-up, as well as a four-seam fastball, which he uses sparingly. With the Bombers in severe need of bullpen help, Effross should play a significant role, and if he can stay healthy for the length of the season.
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