- INJURY UPDATES: Yankees’ Jake Cousins Facing Uncertain Future Amid Potential UCL Injury..
The New York Yankees’ bullpen woes deepened this week with troubling news surrounding right-hander Jake Cousins. The 30-year-old reliever is reportedly dealing with a potential ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury in his throwing arm, sparking concerns that Tommy John surgery may be imminent.
Manager Aaron Bone confirmed the development over the weekend, stating that Cousins “might be headed down that road,” though no final decision has been made. The Yankees are currently awaiting additional medical evaluations before charting the next steps. If Cousins does require surgery, he could be sidelined for up to 18 months, effectively ending his 2025 season and possibly impacting his availability for 2026 as well.
Cousins has yet to throw a pitch at the major league level this year. After experiencing elbow discomfort during spring training, he was diagnosed with a flexor strain and placed on the 60-day injured list. He recently began a rehab assignment with High-A Hudson Valley, where he made one promising appearance before feeling discomfort again during his second outing. That setback prompted the Yankees to shut him down and schedule further imaging.
This situation is particularly frustrating for both Cousins and the team. Acquired in the offseason after a standout stint with the Milwaukee Brewers, Cousins was viewed as a potential high-leverage option for the Yankees. In 2024, he posted a 2.37 ERA with an impressive 34% strikeout rate, emerging as a reliable arm in late-inning situations.
The Yankees, currently battling inconsistency in their bullpen, can ill afford another long-term loss. Several key relievers have already spent time on the injured list, and Cousins’ absence leaves another hole that may be difficult to fill internally. Boone hinted the team may need to explore external options if Cousins is ruled out for the remainder of the year.
Despite the setback, the Yankees remain hopeful that a conservative treatment route could still be viable. If further tests show the ligament is only partially damaged, Cousins might be able to avoid surgery and return later this season. However, given the nature of UCL injuries and their recurrence risk, the team is preparing for all outcomes.
Cousins’ next medical update will be pivotal—not only for his career but also for a Yankees bullpen that’s walking a fine line between championship contention and injury-plagued instability.