Huge Blow To Yankees: Key Reliever Needs Tommy John Surgery

The New York Yankees have lost one of their key late-inning high-leverage arms for the postseason, as they've learned today that right-handers Scott Effross will need to undergo Tommy John surgery. 

Scott Effross was excluded from the ALDS roster because he had an elbow issue and it’s been determined that he will need Tommy John surgery. Major loss for the Yankees, who viewed Effross as a linchpin reliever in this postseason and beyond. #effross https://t.co/emS4GMZgZd

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) October 11, 2022

It's a huge blow to the Yankees' playoff hopes, as their bullpen was already in rough shape. Former closer Aroldis Chapman is long gone from the team, after going AWOL from a practice last week, while one of their presumed late-inning arms, Clay Holmes, has been up-and-down since coming back from the injured list for the final month of the season. Holmes allowed runs in 5 of his last 8 appearances. 

Effross was expected to serve as one of their most important high-leverage arms in the playoffs, after holding opponents scoreless in his last five outings since returning from a month-long absence due to a shoulder strain. Effross posted a 2.13 ERA with three saves with the Yankees since coming over from the Chicago Cubs. 

The Tommy John surgery will keep him out all of 2023.

With Effross' absence, Miguel Castro was awarded the final roster spot in the bullpen for the ALDS, which begins Tuesday night against the Cleveland Guardians. 

Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports