The New York Yankees have lost another reliever to injury, as right-hander Jake Cousins has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right pec strain. Cousins left Thursday’s game against the Seattle Mariners with tightness in his pectoral muscle, having already felt soreness before the game. To fill the roster spot, the Yankees have recalled right-handed pitcher Clayton Beeter from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
In his first season with the Yankees, Cousins has been a key contributor, throwing 38 innings and recording 53 strikeouts with a 2.37 ERA. His WHIP of 1.053 ranks second among Yankees relievers who have pitched at least 30 innings, behind Luke Weaver.
Beeter will make his second appearance in the majors this year; his first came on March 28 against the Houston Astros, where he pitched just one inning. In 10 outings with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, including seven starts, he has a record of 3-1 and a 2.25 ERA, along with 51 strikeouts in 36 innings.
Cousins’ absence will be felt, as he has been used in a setup role for the newly appointed closer, Weaver. This means the Yankees may turn to Clay Holmes more frequently for the 7th and 8th innings. The team hopes Cousins can recover in time for the postseason, where his skills will be essential.
Looking ahead, the Yankees have completed their west coast trip and will return home for an important series against the Baltimore Orioles. After their win against the Oakland Athletics on Sunday, New York can clinch the AL East with just one more victory.
