Yankees Lose Yet Another Key Bullpen Arm

Hot on the heels of losing relievers Aroldis Chapman and Chad Green, the New York Yankees will now be without yet another key bullpen arm, Jonathan Loaisiga. He's been placed on the injured list with "shoulder discomfort."

The good news behind the Loáisiga injury is that it reveals the cause behind his struggles, likely stemming from his shoulder injury last year. The bad news is the Yankees bullpen has been crushed in the span of a week.

— Max Greenfield (@GreenfieldMax18) May 25, 2022

— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) May 25, 2022

It's been a struggle all season for the usually-reliable Loaisiga, who hasn't lived up to expectations this year. The 27-year-old did miss time last season with a shoulder injury as well, and manager Aaron Boone called this setback "similar"

This perhaps helps explain the slow start. Loaisiga has allowed 13 earned runs in 16 innings pitched thus far, for an ugly 7.02 ERA. Advanced metrics seem to indicate that he's pitched better than his ERA shows, although he has allowed three home runs already this season, equaling the entire amount of HR he gave up all last season through 70.2 innings.  

Chapman was also placed on the IL this week, prompting sighs of relief from many Yankee fans. 

Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports