The Yankees are eagerly awaiting the return of several key players who are currently rehabbing in Double-A, with the goal of strengthening their roster for September. Among these players are starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt and veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
Relief pitcher Ian Hamilton, who has been sidelined for an extended period, could also make a significant impact on the bullpen upon his return.
Hamilton, who was recently placed on the 60-day injured list to make room for outfielder Duke Ellis on the 40-man roster, is expected to be reinstated once his rehab assignment is completed. Despite an up-and-down season, Hamilton has demonstrated potential. He has pitched 29.2 innings this year, with a 4.55 ERA, averaging 9.10 strikeouts per nine innings, 4.25 walks per nine, a 70% left-on-base rate, and a 43.8% ground ball rate. Though his strikeouts have declined, his underlying metrics remain encouraging.
Recent performances suggest Hamilton is regaining his form. Somerset senior writer Matt Kardos reported that Hamilton’s fastball is reaching 98 MPH, and his slider is hitting 91 MPH. On Tuesday, he pitched 2.1 scoreless innings, striking out six and showcasing a slider with impressive movement.
If Hamilton continues to improve, he could become a valuable asset for the Yankees in September, helping to stabilize a bullpen that has faced inconsistency in recent months. His return would offer Manager Aaron Boone a reliable option in high-pressure situations, potentially alleviating some of the burden on closer Clay Holmes. This might explain why general manager Brian Cashman opted against pursuing a top-tier reliever at the trade deadline in late July. Hamilton’s comeback could provide crucial depth and stability for the Yankees as they head into the postseason.
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