The New York Yankees hoped to have star back in the bullpen sooner rather than later. The player, who had a right lat strain in June and missed nearly two months, is presently on a minor league rehab assignment.
Ian Hamilton was scheduled to pitch for Double-A Somerset on Friday, but did not do so. Aaron Boone, the Yankees manager, delivered an update on Hamilton prior to Saturday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
“He experienced some back spasms yesterday and was scratched from his outing,” Boone explained. “He’s here today, and it doesn’t seem to be a major issue. He might even play catch today, but the spasms acted up just before he was scheduled to pitch.”
Boone’s remarks suggest that Hamilton’s condition is not severe. However, it indicates that the Yankees may need to wait longer than expected to get their reliever back. Although Boone believes Hamilton’s latest issue isn’t serious, he didn’t specify when Hamilton might make his next rehab appearance.
The Yankees currently lead the American League with the best record and hold a 1 1/2-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East. With the Orioles closely trailing, every game is critical for the Yankees to secure a first-round bye in the postseason. Hamilton’s return would be a significant boost, adding much-needed depth to the Yankees’ pitching staff.
Why the Yankees need Ian Hamilton
The Yankees would have greatly benefited from reintegrating Hamilton into their bullpen, particularly since closer Clay Holmes has regressed after a stellar start to the season where he went without allowing an earned run in his first 20 appearances.
Prior to his injury in June, Hamilton, 29, had made 27 appearances for the Yankees with a 4.55 ERA over 29 2/3 innings. In contrast, he was much more effective last season, posting a 2.64 ERA in 58 innings. The Yankees are hopeful that Hamilton can regain some of his 2023 form during this critical period of the season.
Hamilton relies on a fastball-sinker-slider mix to get outs, with his four-seam fastball averaging 96.3 mph this season and proving particularly effective. Opponents are batting just .136 against it, according to Baseball Savant.
Before his time with the Yankees, Hamilton had stints with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox organizations.
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