Based on how loudly they booed All-Star closer Devin Williams on Friday night, it’s safe to assume New York Yankees fans want to see changes in the bullpen.
Luckily, they’re on the verge of (partially) getting their wish fulfilled.
The Yankees announced Saturday that veteran reliever Jonathan Loáisiga will officially begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Tampa. The Tarpons host the Dunedin Blue Jays the next two days before traveling to Bradenton, Fla., on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old Loáisiga is recovering from elbow surgery that limited him to four scoreless innings a year ago. He owns a 3.44 ERA and 207-72 K-BB ratio over 219.2 career innings.
It is unclear when Loáisiga will rejoin the big-league club or how long he’ll spend on a rehab assignment. The Yankees are off Thursday before beginning a six-game homestand against the Tampa Bay Rays and San Diego Padres.
Although Loáisiga likely won’t replace Williams as the closer, he’ll nonetheless have an early chance to aid the Yankees’ inconsistent bullpen. Loáisiga posted a 2.89 ERA and 3.5 bWAR after becoming a full-time reliever in 2021.
The Yankees desperately need bullpen stability, especially if they make fan-favorite Luke Weaver the closer. Williams already owns an 11.25 ERA and -0.8 bWAR over eight innings.
Despite his history as a starting pitcher, don’t expect to see Loáisiga in a long relief role. He typically pitches an inning per outing, and he’s only had two multi-inning games since the start of 2022.
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