Huge Boost: Yankees’ Star Player Activated from Injury List, Takes on New Role

The Yankees will introduce a new catcher and bullpen arm as they start their series in Detroit on Friday.

On Thursday, the Yankees activated catcher Jose Trevino from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 10-day injured list. As a result, Carlos Narvaez has been sent down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Trevino was sidelined for over a month due to a left quad strain, an injury he sustained while sharing catching duties with Austin Wells.

Upon his return, Trevino will primarily serve as a backup, as manager Aaron Boone mentioned last week that Wells, now the team’s cleanup hitter, “will probably get a lot of playing time.”

Prior to his injury on July 12, Trevino had a .713 OPS and is known for his exceptional defensive skills behind the plate.

Wells, who has a .773 OPS, remains poised and effective against major league pitching.

One of the two catchers will be working with a new pitcher after Will Warren was optioned following his spot start on Wednesday. This creates a gap in an otherwise underperforming bullpen.

The Yankees have several pitchers in the minors currently rehabbing, with Scott Effross and Nick Burdi being the most likely candidates to be called up soon.

Effross, who had New  surgery in 2022 and back surgery last December, has been working his way back in the minors since June 19. His recent performance has been promising, as he’s allowed just one run on four hits with seven strikeouts over his last eight innings with SWB.

Manager Aaron Boone remarked on Monday, “I think he’s definitely been throwing the ball better, which is encouraging. We’re getting more guys in the mix to have good options. Scotty’s put together some solid outings in a row, so he’s definitely in consideration.”

Burdi, who has been sidelined since May 23 with right hip inflammation, is also a candidate for a call-up. He has allowed two runs in 5 ²/₃ innings with seven strikeouts while with SWB.

Lou Trivino, recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Ian Hamilton, dealing with a right lat strain, are further from returning.

In Detroit, the Yankees are expected to see one of their former top prospects in action. Trey Sweeney, a first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, is set to make his debut with the Tigers, according to ESPN.