Yankees Finalize Opening Day Roster with Key Moves
With Opening Day fast approaching, the New York Yankees have set their 26-man roster, making a pair of notable decisions—one to strengthen their offense against left-handed pitching and another that, unfortunately, depletes their bullpen depth.
Adding a Right-Handed Bat for Lefty Matchups
The Yankees had been searching for a right-handed hitter to provide balance against left-handed pitching. Rather than making a major acquisition, they opted to promote Pablo Reyes, a versatile utility player who stood out during spring training.
While Reyes isn’t a game-changer offensively, he’s dependable against southpaws. His career 105 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers is respectable, though his 61 wRC+ against righties suggests he’ll likely be used in a platoon role.
The Yankees are banking on Reyes to thrive in a specialized role while adding value with his defensive versatility. If he proves reliable against left-handed pitching, he could establish himself as a key depth piece in the Bronx.
A Tough Break for the Bullpen
While Reyes fills a specific need, the Yankees also took a hit on the pitching side. The team announced that right-hander Jake Cousins is heading to the 60-day injured list with a right elbow flexor strain, sidelining him for at least two months.
Cousins played a vital role in last year’s bullpen, delivering a 2.37 ERA over 38 innings with 53 strikeouts. His absence is a significant loss—like pulling a key brick from a well-built wall. The bullpen can hold, but it won’t be as sturdy.
The right-hander was initially sidelined in February with a forearm strain, and with the diagnosis now confirmed as a flexor strain, his recovery timeline remains unclear.
These injuries can be unpredictable, sometimes requiring more time to heal than anticipated. For now, the Yankees will have to start the season without one of their most reliable bullpen arms.
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