Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared updates with the media today regarding multiple players on the team. One notable update is that right-handed pitcher Scott Effross underwent back surgery in December and is not expected to be ready until the summer, according to Greg Joyce of the New York Post. In a less significant update, catcher Jose Trevino suffered a calf strain a few weeks ago but is still anticipated to be ready for Opening Day, as reported by Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.
Effross, 30, was initially seen as a promising addition to the Yankees. He made his debut in the major leagues with the Cubs in 2021 and was later traded to the Yankees during the 2022 deadline. Between both teams, Effross appeared in 74 games during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, with an impressive earned run average of 2.78 per nine innings. He struck out 27.9% of batters faced, walked only 5.6% of them, and induced ground balls on 45.1% of balls put in play. He even seemed to be transitioning into a closer role, recording four saves and 19 holds during that time.
However, he has been sidelined since late 2022 and it appears that he will remain there. He was placed on the injured list in August 2022 due to a shoulder strain. In October of that year, it was announced that he would need Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the entire 2023 season. Now, this back surgery will further delay his return to the mound, extending into the first half of the 2024 season.
It is a disappointing turn of events for a pitcher who was on a positive trajectory. Assuming he can make a comeback at some point this summer, he will be aiming to regain his form after nearly two years of inactivity. The Yankees will likely move him to the 60-day injured list when a roster spot is needed. After this season, he will be eligible for arbitration for the first time and is on track to become a free agent after 2027.
Without Effross, the Yankees will rely on Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loáisiga, Tommy Kahnle, and Caleb Ferguson for high-pressure relief roles in the bullpen. Given that the surgery took place months ago, the team was likely already aware of it and it should not significantly impact their roster-building plans. However, if they decide to bolster their relief options, there are still available free agents such as Ryne Stanek, Brad Boxberger, Brad Hand, and Aaron Loup.
Trevino, 31, is expected to be part of the Yankees’ catching duo alongside Austin Wells. He only played 55 games in 2023 due to wrist surgery but is aiming to return to the level of performance he displayed in 2022. That year, he played 115 games and provided offense that was roughly average for a catcher. However, his exceptional defense resulted in him being valued at 3.8 wins above replacement, according to FanGraphs.
According to the Source mlbtraderumors.com