Yankees activate Ryan Yarbrough from injured list; J.C. Escarra called up as Austin Slater finishes rehab
Left-hander Yarbrough returns to provide multi-inning relief and another southpaw option ahead of a crucial late-season series in Houston.
HOUSTON — The New York Yankees activated left-hander Ryan Yarbrough from the injured list on Monday, a bullpen reinforcement announced ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the Houston Astros.
Yarbrough, who had shifted into the rotation and pitched well earlier this season before landing on the injured list in June, returns as a reliever who can provide multiple innings and matchup flexibility. The move gives the Yankees a second left-handed option out of the bullpen alongside Tim Hill and adds length in relief during the final month of the playoff chase.
Manager Aaron Boone emphasized Yarbrough’s versatility. “He was huge for us in whatever role,” Boone said. The club also summoned utility player J.C. Escarra from Triple-A to temporarily fill the roster spot while outfielder Austin Slater finishes a rehab assignment.
Slater is scheduled to play another game at Triple-A on Tuesday and could be ready to come off the injured list shortly after. Escarra’s call-up is intended as a short-term measure to give the Yankees an extra position player option as they manage the final weeks of the regular season.
Yarbrough’s return restores a lefty who can be used for multi-inning outings or deployed in high-leverage situations against left-handed hitters. He had been working in the rotation prior to his injury but will initially be used out of the bullpen, giving the Yankees flexibility in how they deploy him down the stretch.
Two years ago, the Yankees traveled to Houston with eye-catching September call-ups in outfielder Jasson Domínguez and catcher Austin Wells. This year’s promotions are less flashy but are intended to be similarly pragmatic, bolstering roster depth for the playoff push rather than spotlighting prospects.
The Yankees enter the series with an eye toward shoring up their pitching staff as they head into the crucial final month of the season. Yarbrough’s ability to cover innings and provide matchup options is likely to be factored into bullpen usage in the coming days.
Escarra’s role and Slater’s timetable will be monitored closely as the Yankees balance immediate roster needs with player recovery timelines. The club’s decisions in the coming weeks will shape bullpen management and lineup construction as New York pursues a postseason berth.