Scott

Effross

The 32-year-old right-hander elected free agency after he was non-tendered by the Yankees back in November. Effross made 11 appearances for the Yankees during the 2025 campaign, compiling an 8.44 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and a 6/3 K/BB ratio over 10 2/3 innings. He’ll get a chance during Grapefruit League play to compete for a spot in the Tigers’ Opening Day bullpen.

All five hurlers non-tendered have dealt with injuries over the last few years, and the Yankees will allow all to test free agency. Leiter Jr. has the stuff to be a high-leverage option, but teams will likely be reticent of investing too much in a 34-year-old that has missed as much time as he has.

Effross was shipped back to the minors following Friday’s blowout loss to the Phillies where he was crushed for four runs in his lone inning of work. The 31-year-old righty should return at some point during the final two months of the season.

Effross pitched one scoreless inning for the Yankees last month. The former Cubs setup man has a 6.75 ERA in 16 minor league innings after missing the start of the year with a strained hamstring.

Effross returning to the minors paves the way for JT Brubaker to be activated from the injured list ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Angels.

He’ll take the place of the recently demoted Brent Headrick in the Yankees’ bullpen. Effross, 31, has made nine appearances in the minor leagues this season, posting an uninspiring 9.00 ERA, 2.20 WHIP and a 14/3 K/BB ratio in 10 innings of work. Expect him to be utilized in a middle relief role.

Effross will remain stationed at Triple-A as extra organizational relief depth after wrapping up a minor league rehab assignment. The 31-year-old righty has been on the shelf since spring training recovering from a left hamstring strain. He figures to be an option for New York’s bullpen at some point in the coming weeks.

Effross is now in a “holding pattern” according to manager Aaron Boone. The 31-year-old has been riddled with injuries over the past few seasons, and it doesn’t sound like he’s going to help the Yankees in the near future.

Effross was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain last month and is likely several weeks away, if not longer, from returning to New York’s relief mix.

Effross suffered the injury during Tuesday’s spring game. The 31-year-old will be out of action for a bit, and this could cause him to miss the start of the regular season.