Jonathan Loaisiga to miss remainder of 2024 season with torn UCL

Yankees reliever will not undergo Tommy John surgery; expected out 10-12 months

Feb 15, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga (43) throws during a / Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees bullpen will be without Jonathan Loaisiga for the remainder of the 2024 regular season.

Loaisiga, who the Yankees placed on the 60-day IL with a right flexor strain retroactive to April 4 prior to their home opener Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays, says that he has a torn UCL, which will require season-ending surgery. Dr. Keith Meister will perform the procedure.

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The 29-year old right-handed pitcher added it would not be Tommy John surgery, and expected recovery time is 10-12 months. New York replaced Loaisiga on the active roster by signing RHP Dennis Santana, who allowed two earned runs in 1.2 innings of relief in his team debut on Friday, a 3-0 loss to Toronto at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees anticipated Loaisiga being a key part of their bullpen following the loss of Michael King in the offseason after his extended stay on the IL in 2023. Manager Aaron Boone echoes the disappointing sentiment that ongoing, recurring and lingering issues have led to this point.

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In seven years wearing Pinstripes, Loaisiga is 19-11 with a 3.44 ERA, 207 strikeouts and 72 walks in 219.2 innings pitched; he owns a 3.60 ERA in 13 postseason appearances.

Based on his injury history, General Manager Brian Cashman and management will have an important decision to make on Loaisiga following this season. While an integral part of the bullpen when he does pitch, he recently hasn’t been able to stay on the field for a prolonged period of time and his career is reaching a crucial crossroads.

“Johnny Lasagna” is currently signed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract. It’s looking more likely the organization may elect to not re-sign him and to choose to move on in the offseason, make him an unrestricted free agent in the fall. Loaisiga, who turns 30 in November, would be an underrated buy-low option if his velocity bounces back to his career normal following rehabilitation after the surgery.