Key Yankees Reliever Heads to Injured List

The New York Yankees have lost yet another reliever to injury, as right-handed pitcher Jake Cousins has been placed on the 15-day IL. Cousins exited Thursday’s game against the Seattle Mariners with pec tightness after already experiencing soreness prior to the game. Furthermore, the team announced that the 30-year-old has suffered a right pec strain, and in a corresponding move has recalled right-hander Clayton Beeter from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Yankees Place Jake Cousins on IL with Pec Strain

Cousins, in his first year with New York, has been one of the Yankees’ most valuable relievers this season. In 38 innings, the former Milwaukee Brewer has racked up 53 strikeouts with an ERA of 2.37. He also has a WHIP of 1.053, which is second out of Yankees’ relievers behind Luke Weaver (min. 30 innings pitched).

The replacement for Cousins, Clayton Beeter, will see his second stint of major league action this year. Coincidentally, his first and only appearance in the majors was in the first game of the year, on March 28 against the Houston Astros, in which he threw a three-pitch inning. In 10 appearances with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, including seven starts, the 25-year-old Beeter has a 3-1 record with a 2.25 ERA. He also has an impressive 51 strikeouts in 36 innings.

The Yankees will miss Cousins dearly. Manager Aaron Boone has been using him in a setup role for the newly appointed closer Weaver, meaning that the Yanks will likely rely more on Clay Holmes to pitch in the 7th/8th inning. The hope is that Cousins recovers in time for the postseason, when New York will truly need one of their best relievers.

Looking ahead, the Yankees have finished their west coast trip and will return home for a pivotal series against the Baltimore Orioles. After Sunday’s win against the Oakland Athletics, New York can clinch the AL East with just one more win.