Fresh off their 2024 World Series appearance, the New York Yankees confront a pivotal roster question as they navigate the rehabilitation timeline of reliever Jonathan Loaisiga. Despite comprehensive roster enhancements following Juan Soto’s departure to the Mets, uncertainty surrounding Loaisiga’s availability casts a shadow over their bullpen configuration.

Reports indicate the once-reliable reliever might require placement on the 60-day injured list to begin the 2025 season, pending his recovery progress.

Examining Loaisiga’s recovery timeline

Recent seasons have seen the hard-throwing right-hander’s appearances severely limited by injuries. His presence on the mound has been scarce, with just 20 total appearances across 2023 and 2024, including a mere three outings last season before UCL surgery halted his campaign in April 2024.

Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors recently analyzed Loaisiga’s situation, suggesting potential placement on the 60-day injured list while acknowledging possibilities for an earlier return:

“It was reported in December that the Yankees are expecting him to be in the bullpen by late April or early May, so he’ll only end up on the 60-day IL if he suffers a bit of a setback.”

Standard recovery protocols for UCL procedures typically mandate a full year of rehabilitation. Should the Yankees opt for the 60-day IL designation, Loaisiga would remain ineligible until late May, as the IL countdown initiates on Opening Day.

Restructured relief corps awaits Loaisiga’s return

The Yankees’ offseason bullpen reconstruction, highlighted by securing former Brewers closer Devin Williams, provides manager Aaron Boone with elite ninth-inning stability. This acquisition enables strategic deployment of Luke Weaver and other high-leverage arms across crucial game situations.

While the bullpen features an intriguing blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans, Loaisiga’s eventual return could significantly influence the unit’s ultimate ceiling in 2025.

Navigating injury recovery

As Spring Training progresses, Loaisiga’s rehabilitation status will draw intense scrutiny. Barring complications, his return could materialize by late April or early May, potentially energizing an already formidable bullpen. However, placement on the 60-day IL would delay his availability until late May or beyond.

The eventual outcome notwithstanding, a completely rehabilitated Loaisiga could elevate the Yankees’ relief corps to elite status within Major League Baseball. His successful return, combined with recent acquisitions, could reinforce New York’s positioning as a legitimate World Series contender for the 2025 campaign.

This delicate balance between patient rehabilitation and competitive urgency underscores the Yankees’ commitment to building sustainable bullpen excellence. Loaisiga’s recovery trajectory not only impacts immediate roster decisions but could significantly influence the team’s championship aspirations throughout the season.

Impact of Loaisiga’s potential Yankees return

A fully operational Jonathan Loaisiga could transform the Yankees‘ bullpen dynamics. His peak performance during 2021 and 2022 yielded impressive results—a 2.96 ERA across 107 appearances—establishing him as a crucial high-leverage option in Boone’s arsenal.

His ground-ball-inducing arsenal and home run suppression capabilities would provide valuable contrast to the strikeout-oriented approaches of Williams and Weaver. Upon successful rehabilitation, Loaisiga could immediately reclaim his role among the team’s premier late-inning specialists.

The organization’s measured approach to his rehabilitation reflects both their recognition of his potential impact and their commitment to ensuring his long-term effectiveness. As the season approaches, the evolving timeline of his return remains a crucial factor in the Yankees’ pursuit of their ultimate goal—another World Series championship.