Ian Hamilton DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New York Yankees right-handed reliever Jake Cousins (elbow) is under a week away from getting back on the mound, according to the New York Daily News' Gary Phillips. Meanwhile, right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton (illness) is scheduled to rejoin the Yankees' bullpen for their series in Detroit that starts on Monday, April 7. Cousins was unable to pitch at all in spring training due to a right-elbow flexor strain and began the regular season on the 60-day injured list as a result. The 30-year-old pitched well for the Yanks down the stretch and could be back in a high-leverage role eventually in 2025, but he won't be eligible to return until at least late May. Hamilton dealt with an undisclosed illness in spring training but is now feeling better after going on a minor-league rehab assignment. He's been solid for the Yankees since 2023 with a 3.10 ERA and 1.28 WHIP, but he's unlikely to have much fantasy appeal in a middle-relief role.

New York Yankees relief pitcher Ian Hamilton (infection) will open the season on the injured list. Hamilton has begun to increase his workload and recently made his spring debut, which suggests he should not face an extended absence. Last season, Hamilton tossed 37 2/3 innings in the Yankee bullpen and held a 3.82 ERA with a 1.65 WHIP. During this stint, Hamilton tallied 41 punchouts but held a modest 8.6 percent walk rate. However, he generated an elite 3.8 percent barrel rate and a strong 37.1 percent hard-hit rate, which suggests he may face some positive regression in 2025. He also tallied 11 holds operating primarily in a high-leverage role. While Hamilton remains out, fantasy managers should expect the Yankees to deploy Luke Weaver as the primary setup man, with Fernando Cruz also seeing high-leverage work.

New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Ian Hamilton (infection) is nearing his spring training debut. Hamilton has been dealing with an infection during the early part of camp. However, given that the team is expressing optimism about his status, suggests he will not be in any danger of missing Opening Day. Last season, Hamilton logged 37 2/3 innings out of the Yankee bullpen and held a 3.82 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP. He tallied strikeouts at a solid 25.2 percent rate and walks at an 8.6 percent rate. Hamilton also generated whiffs at an elite 36.5 percent rate, which suggests he should see positive regression in his strikeout production when he returns to the bump. While he is cleared to return to action, fantasy managers should expect the 29-year-old to compete for a high-leverage role in the New York bullpen and will be a viable target in deeper leagues that score holds.

New York Yankees right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton (calf) faced hitters in a live batting practice session at spring training on Thursday. Hamilton should be ready for Opening Day in late March after injuring his calf in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series last October against the Cleveland Guardians. In his second season in the Bronx in 2024, Hamilton produced a 3.82 ERA (3.03 FIP), a 1.35 WHIP, one save, 41 strikeouts and 14 walks in 37 2/3 relief innings in the regular season. He's been productive out of the Yankees' bullpen when healthy, but he battled through multiple injuries last year for the second straight season. Despite his injury concerns, the 29-year-old's swing-and-miss stuff makes him interesting in deeper fantasy leagues for his well above-average strikeout rate.

After New York Yankees right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton (calf) suffered a left-calf injury in the loss in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Thursday to the Cleveland Guardians, the Yankees removed him from the playoff roster and replaced him with right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. It's a tough break for the 29-year-old, as he now will not be eligible to play in the World Series if the Yankees advance past Cleveland. He allowed an earned run on one hit while walking one and striking out three in just 1 2/3 relief innings in his first postseason with the team this year. The 33-year-old Leiter will now give the Yankees extra depth out of the bullpen the rest of the way. Leiter began the year with the Cubs and had a 4.98 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and a 33:9 K:BB in just 21 2/3 relief innings for the Yankees in the second half.