The New York Yankees are facing a setback as they move forward from an emotional win on Friday night. Manager Aaron Boone announced on Saturday that relief pitcher Jake Cousins has been temporarily sidelined from his rehabilitation due to discomfort in his pectoral muscle, a precautionary measure that will require him to pause his recovery for at least four to five days.
Cousins has been on the mend from a right elbow flexor strain that had previously placed him on the injured list in March. The 30-year-old was a reliable contributor for the Yankees last season, achieving a commendable 2.37 ERA and accumulating 53 strikeouts in 38 innings. His unexpected impact on the bullpen was solidified during the postseason, where he played a critical role in the team’s run to the World Series, most notably striking out four batters in a crucial Game 5 of the American League Championship Series.
This recent development raises familiar concerns for the Yankees, particularly as Cousins had already faced pectoral issues towards the end of last season that forced him to miss the final nine regular-season games, although he showed resilience by returning for the playoffs.
The news comes on the heels of the Yankees welcoming back Jonathan Loaisiga, who made his 2025 debut on Friday night after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Loaisiga’s return is a silver lining, as he pitched a scoreless inning in that game, providing some hope for the bullpen amid the uncertainty surrounding Cousins.
While this injury setback is unfortunate, it highlights the importance of precaution in player recovery, especially for pitchers who endure significant physical demands. The Yankees will reassess Cousins’ situation after the shutdown period, hoping for a swift and full return to the mound.