The New York Yankees are actively bolstering their bullpen amidst recent struggles, with pitching coach Matt Blake spearheading significant adjustments in response to subpar performances. These changes have included releasing some players and demoting others to the minors, alongside integrating new pitchers aimed at stabilizing the team’s relief efforts.
One standout addition to this effort is Scott Effross, a 30-year-old pitcher acquired from the Chicago Cubs in 2022. Effross is poised to make a substantial impact following his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which interrupted his promising stint marked by a 2.54 ERA and 2.46 FIP over 56.2 innings. During this period, he showcased impressive strikeout ability with 9.85 strikeouts per nine innings, supported by a solid 66.9% left-on-base rate and a 44.6% ground ball rate.
Effross brings a distinctive pitching style characterized by a low release point, which enhances spin and deception in his deliveries—a quality that complicates hitters’ ability to predict and connect with his pitches effectively. Despite his fastball averaging at 90.4 mph, Effross excels in inducing swings on pitches outside the strike zone and limiting high-quality contact—a testament to his strategic pitching approach.
His repertoire includes a slider, sinker, changeup, and four-seam fastball. Particularly noteworthy is his slider, which boasted a .149 batting average against in the 2022 season, complemented by a significant 30.1% whiff rate and notable vertical and horizontal movement akin to a wiffleball’s unpredictable trajectory. While his sinker has occasionally been vulnerable to hard hits, it remains instrumental in inducing ground balls, crucial for maintaining defensive stability.
Effross’s return from nearly a year-long absence due to injury has been promising. In recent outings with the Yankees’ Single-A affiliate in Tampa, he demonstrated strong form by allowing only one hit across three innings while striking out four batters. The Yankees are cautiously managing his rehabilitation process, spacing out his appearances and gradually increasing his workload to ensure a full recovery without setbacks.
As the Yankees navigate this period of transition and adjustment in their bullpen, Effross’s comeback holds significant promise. His blend of skill and experience is anticipated to inject much-needed reliability into a unit aiming to reclaim its former stature. This strategic reinforcement aligns with the team’s objective of fortifying their pitching depth, highlighting Effross as a pivotal figure in their pursuit of stability and success in upcoming fixtures.