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Yankees Face Roster Crunch as JT Brubaker’s Rehab Clock Ticks Down

MLB access_alarms2025-05-31 10:51:37 visibility6 text_decrease title text_increase

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Table of Contents

The Crossroads Decision

The New York Yankees find themselves at a critical juncture regarding veteran pitcher JT Brubaker. With his 30-day minor league rehab window nearing its end, the team must decide whether to add him to the 40-man roster or risk losing him to another organization via waivers. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in March 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Brubaker has been sidelined since 2023 but recently showed encouraging signs during Rehab Assignments with High-A Hudson Valley.

Rehab Progress and Evaluation

Performance Metrics

Brubaker’s rehab began on May 18 with his first appearance since 2023, facing the Aberdeen Ironbirds. While pitch counts remain limited, evaluators are focusing on his velocity recovery and command—key indicators for pitchers returning from elbow reconstruction. Despite a career 4.99 ERA with Pittsburgh, his slider-curve combination and a 48.2% ground-ball rate suggest potential as a backend starter or swingman role.

Yankees Face Roster Crunch as JT Brubaker’s Rehab Clock Ticks Down

Roster Constraints

The Yankees’ 40-man roster faces congestion with stars like Gerrit Cole sidelined for the season and Luis Gil also recovering from Tommy John surgery. The current rotation features Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, and Clarke Schmidt. Adding Brubaker would require tough decisions, possibly displacing younger prospects like Will Warren or veterans like Carlos Carrasco, who has struggled this season with a 5.64 ERA in 2024.

Stakes for Both Sides

For Brubaker: This represents a pivotal moment. Failure to secure a roster spot could lead to another team claiming him on waivers—a risk for a pitcher seeking to re-establish himself after major surgery.

For the Yankees: Balancing short-term needs with long-term flexibility remains key. Their pitching staff leads MLB with a 1.15 WHIP and .207 opponent batting average, but injuries have exposed vulnerabilities. Brubaker’s addition could provide insurance against potential setbacks involving Rodón or Stroman, though it risks hindering younger talent development.

Path Forward

Manager Aaron Boone and GM Brian Cashman have until mid-June to act. Options include:

Designating a player for assignment to free space
Trading Brubaker for depth (though his post-surgery track record limits trade value)
Maintaining patience if rehab progress justifies roster inclusion

The Broader Challenge

This situation encapsulates the Yankees’ ongoing dilemma: prioritizing immediate contention while preserving roster flexibility. Brubaker’s case exemplifies the fine line between investing in proven veterans and nurturing emerging talent—a decision that will define their 2025 Season trajectory.