COVID? COVID?! Wasn’t that a thing of 2020-2021? Just kidding. Reports of a new variant have been making headlines recently, but it’s still surprising to see a player on the COVID-19 list in 2024.
That’s what happened to the New York Yankees on Monday when Ian Hamilton was placed on the seven-day list due to the virus. It could be a “phantom” stint, too, since the right-hander hasn’t been performing well lately. A false positive isn’t the worst thing, is it?
Hamilton has a 3.18 ERA, 3.64 FIP, and 1.41 WHIP with only 19 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings this season. He’s been off his game, but Yankees fans couldn’t pinpoint why. He has given up three earned runs on 10 hits over his last 5 1/3 innings. Before this rough patch, he struggled against the Tigers, allowing a hit and a walk that cost the Yankees the lead.
A seven-day break might be beneficial for Hamilton, who is still considered a valuable bullpen asset for the Yankees. His impressive performance last season earned him the team’s trust going into 2024.
Prior to today’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Placed RHP Ian Hamilton on the 7-day COVID-19 injured list (retroactive to 5/19).
• Selected LHP Clayton Andrews (#74) to the active roster.
• Designated RHP Colby White for assignment.— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 20, 2024
In response, the Yankees called up lefty Clayton Andrews and designated right-hander Colby White for assignment.
Yankees lose key reliever to COVID-19 list and make two other roster moves
The Yankees’ bullpen has been impressive overall, but the good times might not last. There’s too much maneuvering out of trouble and not enough strikeouts. For instance, Hamilton averaged 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings last year, but that has dropped to 7.5 this season.
Meanwhile, the Yankees will assess Andrews, who was acquired from the Brewers before spring training. He was designated for assignment in April, cleared waivers, and returned to Triple-A Scranton.
The Yankees have placed a player on the COVID IL for the first time since June 2022 pic.twitter.com/xvl4mRXauZ
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 20, 2024
Andrews has a 0-2 record with a 6.60 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 15 innings. He has struck out 18 batters, but walks have been a significant issue (12, averaging 7.2 BB/9). However, the Yankees need pitchers who can eat up some innings.
As for White, he was picked up before the Rays series last week and wasn’t expected to be a long-term solution. He could return if he clears waivers like Andrews.
Fortunately, the Yankees’ bullpen has had plenty of rest thanks to the starting rotation’s strong performances, so hopefully, Andrews won’t be needed for high-leverage situations too often.
