In a concerning development for the New York Yankees, relief pitcher Scott Effross departed Tuesday’s spring training game against the Minnesota Twins after sustaining an apparent leg injury on his first pitch. Effross, 31, immediately grasped his hamstring area and was escorted off the field by a team trainer. The severity of the injury remains undetermined, pending further medical evaluation.
Effross’s tenure with the Yankees has been marred by health challenges. Acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the 2022 trade deadline, he underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2022, sidelining him for the entire 2023 season. In December 2023, Effross faced another setback with back surgery, limiting his 2024 season to just three major league appearances, during which he posted a 5.40 ERA over 3.1 innings.
Despite these obstacles, Effross entered the 2025 spring training with optimism, having completed his first normal offseason since 2021-2022. His early performance in camp had been promising, offering hope for a resurgence in the Yankees’ bullpen. Manager Aaron Boone expressed concern following the incident, acknowledging Effross’s dedication to returning to form and hoping for a swift recovery.
The Yankees’ bullpen depth is already being tested this spring, with other pitchers, including Eric Reyzelman, facing health issues. Reyzelman was hospitalized earlier this month due to an allergic reaction but is currently in stable condition. Effross’s injury adds to the team’s challenges as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Effross is scheduled to undergo tests to determine the extent of his injury. The team and fans alike are hopeful for a positive outcome, given his potential impact when healthy. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.