Yankees Off to Solid Start Despite Injury Concerns

The New York Yankees have kicked off the 2025 MLB season with a 6-4 record. While it’s not a bad start, it falls short of the high expectations the team typically sets for itself. As they aim to get into gear and chase their championship goals, the Yankees have faced early challenges, with injuries to key players being a major factor.

Injury Woes: Key Players Sidelined

The absence of two major stars has had a significant impact on the team. Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees’ slugging outfielder, and Gerrit Cole, the ace of their pitching staff, are both dealing with injuries and have yet to take the field in 2025. Their missing presence has left holes in both the lineup and rotation. However, Stanton and Cole are not the only injured players the Yankees have been managing.

Ian Hamilton’s Return Brings Hope to the Bullpen

A key contributor to the Yankees’ bullpen last season, right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton, has also been on the injured list to start the year. While Hamilton may not have the same level of star recognition as Stanton or Cole, he plays an essential role in New York’s pitching depth. The good news for the Yankees is that Hamilton could soon return to action.

According to Greg Joyce of the New York Post, Hamilton is expected to be activated from the injured list as early as Tuesday. Joyce reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Hamilton is traveling with the team and is on track to return to the roster soon. While manager Aaron Boone has indicated the team will wait until after Monday’s game to make the final decision, all signs point to Hamilton’s imminent return.

Hamilton’s Strong 2024 Season

Ian Hamilton may not have been a headline name last season, but his contributions were valuable to the Yankees’ bullpen. In 2024, Hamilton made 35 appearances, all in relief. He threw 37.2 innings, finishing with a solid 3.82 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. Though he didn’t earn a win, Hamilton notched 11 holds and one save, while only blowing one save opportunity. His ability to step into high-leverage situations and perform made him a reliable option for manager Aaron Boone.

Why Hamilton’s Return is Crucial for the Yankees

Hamilton’s return to the bullpen would be a significant boost for the Yankees. With Cole sidelined, the rotation has faced some instability, and the bullpen has been working overtime early in the season. A reliable arm like Hamilton’s could help ease the pressure on other relievers, giving Boone more flexibility when managing late-game situations.

If Hamilton is activated soon, his presence would add depth and stability to the bullpen—especially important as the Yankees look to build momentum and climb the standings in the highly competitive AL East.

Looking Ahead: Hamilton’s Impact on the Team

The Yankees’ hopes of contending in 2025 rely not only on their star players returning to form but also on the strength and depth of their pitching staff. With Hamilton back in the mix, the bullpen could become a more reliable asset as the team moves forward in the season. For New York, getting a dependable arm like Hamilton back could make all the difference in finding their rhythm and keeping pace with the rest of the division.