Jake

Cousins

Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Cousins will undergo the season-ending procedure on Wednesday after being shut down from throwing last week with renewed elbow discomfort. It’s a definite hit to New York’s relief depth as Cousins compiled a sparkling 2.37 ERA across 38 innings (37 appearances) last year in his Yankees debut. He figures to miss most of the 2026 season as well, given the timing of the procedure.

Not good. Cousins underwent an MRI on Tuesday to determine the severity of the issue. The 30-year-old has been working his way back from a flexor strain in his right elbow, so this latest development feels highly problematic. There should be an update on his status at some point in the coming days.

Cousins ins working his way back from a flexor strain in his right elbow, so it’s an encouraging sign that the issue is unrelated. The 30-year-old righty hasn’t started a minor league rehab assignment yet, so it’s looking like he’s at least a few weeks away from any potential return to New York’s bullpen.

That doesn’t mean Cousins is ready to pitch, but rather that he can begin throwing bullpens. The 30-year-old is on the 60-day injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow, and won’t be eligible to join the Yankees’ bullpen until the end of May. Cousins will be a middle-inning option as soon as he’s well enough to be one.

Cousins, a key reliever for the club in the second half of last season, is back throwing and probably would have been a candidate for the bullpen before the end of May, but the Yankees are opening up his spot on the 40-man for Pablo Reyes.

Cousins is recovering from a forearm strain and hasn’t been able to participate in Grapefruit League games. The 30-year-old will all-but-assuredly begin the 2025 season on the injured list, but once healthy, he has a chance to be a late-inning option for the New York bullpen.

Cousins added that his UCL “looked great” following an MRI. He should still have a shot at being ready for Opening Day if things go well after he resumes throwing.

Cousins missed time last year with a right pectoral strain, but it appears to be a more significant issue keeping him throwing right now; all due respect to a strained pec, of course. If healthy, the 30-year-old will be one of the middle-inning options behind Devin Williams in the New York bullpen.

Marcus Stroman and Mark Leiter Jr. are absent, as the Yankees have chosen to go with 11 pitches. That opens up an extra spot on offense for Duke Ellis to serve as a pinch-runner. Ben Rice is also on the roster in place of Anthony Rizzo. DJ LeMahieu was not activated.

Cousins will then hopefully throw a live bullpen session Thursday. If those go well, there’s a good chance Cousins will be on the ALDS roster, and he’ll be a mid-to-late inning option for the Yankees’ bullpen in that series against the Orioles, Royals or Tigers.