Jake Cousins DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New York Yankees right-handed reliever Jake Cousins (forearm) is "a couple of weeks" away from throwing live batting practice, manager Aaron Boone said on Wednesday. Cousins was moved to the 60-day injured list on March 27 with a right-forearm strain and isn't eligible to return until May 26. The 30-year-old has been nursing his forearm injury since February, but the good news is he recently was cleared to start throwing bullpen sessions. Barring a setback once he begins facing live hitters and eventually goes on a minor-league rehab assignment, Cousins will rejoin New York's bullpen in the first half of the season. In his first year in the Bronx in 2024, he had a career-best 2.37 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, his first career save, a career-high 53 strikeouts and 20 walks in 38 relief innings in the regular season. Cousins will be a potential late-inning relief option for the Yanks in another month-plus.

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 manager Aaron Boone said on Monday that right-handed reliever Jake Cousins (forearm) is throwing out to 90 feet at camp. Cousins suffered a right-forearm strain early in spring training, which has kept him from pitching in any games. While the 30-year-old veteran is making progress, there's just not enough time for him to get his arm built up with Opening Day coming next Thursday. However, if Cousins is able to avoid any setbacks with his arm when he gets back on the mound, he could be ready to rejoin New York's bullpen and make his 2025 debut early in April. He was impressive for the Yankees last year after being acquired in a trade with the White Sox, posting a career-low 2.37 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, his first career save, a career-high 53 strikeouts and 20 walks in 38 relief innings in the regular season. Although he won't really be an option for saves, he could return to a high-leverage setup role when healthy.