Could Yankees Get Impact Hurler Back For Postseason?

New York Yankees’ reliever Jake Cousins, recovering from a strained right pec, eyes a return in time for the ALDS.

Sep 9, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Jake Cousins (61) follows through on a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

With the regular season behind them and a first-round bye secured, the New York Yankees are enjoying some extra rest, which could help bring the timely return of a key reliever for the ALDS.

Before Sunday’s season finale, Yankees’ right-hander Jake Cousins spoke to reporters about his recovery from a strained right pec, an injury that forced him to leave six pitches into a September 19 game in Seattle after his velocity was noticeably down. He is currently on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to September 20.

“I feel really good,” Cousins told Greg Joyce of the New York Post, taking a day off after playing catch at Yankee Stadium on Friday and Saturday. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday and face live hitters Thursday, which could clear him for activation from the IL in time for Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday, provided all goes well. YES Network’s Meredith Marakovits reported that Cousins is confident that he will be ready for the series.

Jake Cousins will throw a bullpen Tuesday and likely a live Thursday. Cousins said he is encouraged so far… and still believes he can be ready for ALDS #yankees

— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) September 29, 2024

Cousins, 30, arrived in New York without much fanfare after the Chicago White Sox traded him for cash considerations in late March. He had signed a minor league deal in December after allowing five runs over just 9.1 big league innings in 2023, a season marred by frequent trips to the minors and a stint on the IL due to right shoulder inflammation.

Shortly after joining his fifth organization since being drafted in 2017, Cousins was selected to Yankees’ big league roster on April 1 and has since established himself as a valuable part of the bullpen. In 37 appearances this season, Cousins went 2-1 with one save, a 2.37 ERA, and a 1.05 WHIP, striking out 53 and walking 20 over 38 innings. 

His slider has been among the most effective pitches in the game, according to Statcast, generating a 47.2% whiff rate and holding opponents to a .141 average, with a 65.7% usage rate. He also mixes in a solid 95 mph sinker.

Jake Cousins, Wicked Sliders. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/gAqNUnWK29

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 10, 2024

If Cousins clears the next two steps without setbacks, his return would be a major boost to the Yankees’ late-inning bullpen mix, which also includes Luke Weaver, Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle.

New York will host the winner of the Kansas City Royals-Baltimore Orioles Wild Card series in Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday, October 5.