Yankees Finalize Roster Ahead of Opening Day Amid Injury Concerns

NEW YORK, N.Y. — As Opening Day approaches, the New York Yankees have finalized their 26-man roster, making critical adjustments to bolster their offense while facing a setback in their bullpen.

The Yankees have been in search of a right-handed hitter to enhance their lineup’s performance against left-handed pitching. Instead of opting for a high-profile acquisition, they have chosen to include Pablo Reyes, a versatile utility player who showcased his skills during spring training.

Reyes, while not a power hitter, has proven reliable against left-handed pitching. His career statistics reveal a 105 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) against lefties, although his 61 wRC+ against righties indicates room for improvement. The Yankees are hopeful that Reyes can fulfill a specialized role, bringing both offensive contributions and defensive versatility.

If Reyes performs well against left-handed pitchers, he could secure a lasting position with the team. “He’s shown the ability to step up in critical moments,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “We believe he can add significant value in those matchups.”

However, the Yankees’ roster adjustments are not without challenges. Earlier this week, the team announced that right-handed pitcher Greg Cousins is sidelined for at least two months due to a right elbow flexor strain. Cousins was a pivotal member of last year’s bullpen, finishing the season with an impressive 2.37 ERA over 38 innings and 53 strikeouts.

“Losing Greg is a tough blow for us,” Boone commented. “He was a key part of our bullpen strategy, and we will need to find ways to compensate for his absence.”

Cousins’ injury was initially diagnosed as a forearm strain back in February, but further examination confirmed the flexor strain, leaving his recovery timeline uncertain. Such injuries can be unpredictable, sometimes requiring more time for recovery than initially anticipated.

Without Cousins, the Yankees must adapt quickly as they venture into the early part of the season. They will seek to develop their bullpen depth with the rest of the roster. As they brace for the challenges ahead, the Yankees remain optimistic about the contributions of both Reyes and their remaining pitching staff.