The New York Yankees are dealing with a major injury issue as spring training begins. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Tuesday that top reliever Jake Cousins has been sidelined due to a right forearm strain. Cousins will not be able to throw again for at least one to two weeks, casting doubt on his availability for Opening Day.
“Seems like it’s going well and he’s on track to start throwing hopefully at some point next week or the following week and then build up from there,” Boone said, via the New York Post. “So, that could leak into Opening Day perhaps. But we’ll have to see.”
Cousins, acquired from the Chicago White Sox early in the season, quickly established himself as a top bullpen arm for the Yankees in 2024. Over 37 innings, the right-hander recorded an excellent 2.37 ERA, 175 ERA+, and 53 strikeouts against 20 walks. Despite a 4.7 walk rate, he struck out 12.6 batters per nine innings, demonstrating his domination.
This isn't the first time Cousins is dealing with health concerns. He missed out on considerable play time in September due to a right pec strain.
In additional injury news, Boone reported that pitcher Clayton Beeter experienced a shoulder issue but has progressed to throwing side sessions.
The Yankees' spring training program begins with pitchers and catchers working out on February 12, followed by the first full-squad exercise on February 17.