The New York Yankees faced a setback as manager Aaron Boone announced that reliever Jake Cousins has been sidelined from his rehabilitation for at least several days due to discomfort in his pectoral muscle. This precautionary measure comes after Cousins was recovering from a right elbow flexor strain that had previously placed him on the injured list. Last season, Cousins was a stalwart in the Yankees' bullpen, boasting a 2.37 ERA and 53 strikeouts over 38 innings, making his absence a noticeable blow.

Cousins had been a key contributor during the Yankees' postseason run, including a significant performance in Game 5 of the ALCS where he struck out four batters. With his history of pectoral issues, fans are understandably concerned about his long-term health. Meanwhile, the Yankees welcomed back Jonathan Loaisiga, who recently made his 2025 debut after recovering from Tommy John surgery, adding depth to their pitching staff.