Yankees keep rehabbing reliever in minors to work his way back to MLB shape

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.The oft-injured Scott Effross is no longer technically rehabbing, but his status has not truly changed as the righty will continue to pitch in the minor leagues and attempt to work his way up to The Bronx.Effross’ rehab clock ran out Sunday, when he was returned from his rehab assignment and reinstated from the 15-day injured list but optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.The Yankees want to see more from Effross, who had pitched 3 ¹/₃ scoreless innings in three games in the Florida Coast League and with Double-A Somerset before allowing two runs on four hits with Somerset on Saturday.“Really, it’s about him pitching and stacking days and weeks to where you start to get that polish again,” manager Aaron Boone said before finishing the Subway Series in The Bronx.

“Hopefully, he can do that and put himself in a position to be in the mix.”Effross’ injuries have been numerous and cruel.The Yankees dealt for the righty at the 2022 deadline, and he impressed (2.13 ERA in 13 games) before requiring Tommy John surgery.

While rehabbing the elbow, he underwent back surgery in December 2023.He made it back to the majors last September, but for only three games.His stuff was particularly encouraging this spring, but he strained his hamstring during his first game in the Grapefruit League.

He suffered a setback with the hamstring in early April, but it is now his stuff and crispness that need to return rather than his health.The Yankees, who boosted their bullpen this weekend by activating Jonathan Loáisiga, have a strong group that perhaps Effross, who owns a great sweeper, can join with a better minor league showing.“Keep going, going stacking,” Boone said of the message to Effross.Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+.

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