April 16, 2025
New York Yankees right-hander
Jonathan Loaisiga (elbow) threw live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Saturday and again on Wednesday. He is scheduled to throw another live batting practice session on Saturday and Sunday in Tampa, Fla., as he nears a minor-league rehab assignment. The 30-year-old was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 24 as he recovers from right UCL surgery, and he's not expected to return to the Yankees until around late May or early June. Loaisiga had an internal-brace procedure last April but is getting close to pitching in games. The Nicaraguan hurler has thrown only 21 2/3 innings in the big leagues since 2022 due to elbow issues, but he could return to being a high-leverage reliever in the Bronx if he can bounce back in 2025. For now, fantasy managers can continue to ignore him in all formats.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
February 13, 2025
New York Yankees right-hander
Jonathan Loaisiga (elbow) said he is targeting an end of May/beginning of June return this year, according to the New York Daily News' Gary Phillips. Loaisiga hasn't been able to escape elbow issues the last two years and tore his right UCL early last year. However, the 30-year-old veteran didn't need a full Tommy John procedure and could return to the Yankees at the tail end of the first half of the season, barring any setbacks in his recovery. The Nicaraguan hurler has only appeared in 20 games out of the bullpen the last two years for the Yankees because of his injuries, although he could play a key middle-relief role in the Bronx in the second half in 2025 if he's healthy. Loaisiga has pitched in high-leverage spots for the Yankees in the past, although his lack of strikeout upside doesn't make him all that attractive in deep fantasy leagues.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
December 18, 2024
New York Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake said the hope is that right-hander
Jonathan Loaisiga (elbow) will be ready to pitch for the team in late April or early May. Loaisiga avoided Tommy John surgery and instead had a UCL repair of his right elbow in April of this year. The 30-year-old veteran still has some rehab to do, but as long as he doesn't suffer a setback, his 2025 debut won't be delayed for too long. Despite not being fully healthy, the Yankees re-signed the Nicaraguan hurler. Loaisiga made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Yankees and has a 3.44 career ERA (3.59 FIP), a 1.23 WHIP, seven saves and a 207:72 K:BB in 219 2/3 innings over 163 appearances (11 starts). Because of his injury, Loaisiga is most likely to be a bullpen option for the Yankees when he returns, giving him little fantasy appeal.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
December 11, 2024
According to Jorge Castillo of ESPN, the New York Yankees have signed relief pitcher
Jonathan Loaisiga to a one-year contract. This deal includes a team option in 2026. The 30-year-old was only able to log four innings of relief before suffering a torn UCL, which cut his season short. The right-hander held a modest 3.06 ERA and 4.17 ERA during 2023 and 2022, which was a stark drop compared to the stellar 2.17 ERA he posted during his 2021 breakout campaign. During this season, Loaisiga held a strong 1.02 WHIP with a 16:69 BB:K ratio across 70 2/3 innings of work. While he has battled the injury bug over the past few seasons he could be worth a look in deeper formats that score holds as he will likely operate as a high-leverage relief option during the 2025 campaign. However, given his recovery window, he may not be ready in time for Spring Training.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Jorge Castillo
RADIO
