The Yankees’ reeling bullpen has taken another hit. The team announced Tuesday that reliever Lou Trivino will have Tommy John surgery Wednesday.
Trivino has been bothered by a right elbow strain since spring training and his surgery only adds to the woes of Yankees’ already decimated pitching staff.
The Yankees have numerous pitchers on the injured list, including relievers Jonathan Loaisiga (right elbow inflammation), Tommy Kahnle (right biceps tendinitis) and Scott Effross (Tommy John surgery), as well as starters Carlos Rodon (back/left forearm strain), Luis Severino (strained lat) and Frankie Montas (shoulder surgery).
Luis Gil, recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, is expected to return for the second half of the season.
Only Loaisiga has appeared in a game this season.
Trivino traveled to Los Angeles this week to get a second opinion from noted orthopedist Dr. Neal ElAttrache who, after examining him, confirmed the worst. Trivino’s surgery will take place in Los Angeles.
“More than anything right now, kind of just feeling for [Trivino] and knowing how hard he works,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He really wanted to be a part of this. I know it’s disappointing, but the big thing right now is to support him through this.
Lou Trivino will undergo Tommy John surgery in the latest hit to the Yankees bullpen Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post“[W]e’re still gonna have a chance to have a really good bullpen.”
Boone texted with the 31-year-old Trivino on Tuesday and said the pitcher feels “bummed” about the situation, but is looking forward to getting back out on the mound next year.
“A guy like him is going to work really hard to put himself in the best position possible,” Boone said.
The Yankees’ healthy relievers had been falling short, though they got three shutout innings from Ron Marinaccio, Wandy Peralta and Michael King in beating the Guardians 4-2 on Tuesday night.
That came after Clay Holmes blew a 2-0 lead in the ninth inning Monday night en route to a 3-2 loss to the Guardians after a strong start from Domingo German.
Trivino, who was acquired as part of the star-crossed deal with Oakland that brought Montas to The Bronx last July at the trade deadline, is signed through this season.
He spent six years with the Athletics’ organization, which drafted him out of Slippery Rock [Pa.] University.
With the Yankees last season, the veteran pitched 21 ²/₃ innings across 25 appearances, with a 1.66 ERA and 22 strikeouts, while allowing 18 hits and four earned runs.
His recovery will take about a year, and Boone said the team is prioritizing its support for Trivino.
Trivino came to the Bronx in the Yankees’ Frankie Montas trade. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post“So, right now … it’s just feeling for the person, hoping he gets through surgery well,” Boone said, “and I know he’s gonna work his tail back at some point next year.”
pearances, throwing to an ERA of 1.66 with 22 strikeouts — allowing 18 hits and four earned runs.
His recovery will take about a year, and Boone explained the team is prioritizing its support for Trivino.
“So, right now … it’s just feeling for the person, hoping he gets through surgery well,” Boone said, “and I know he’s gonna work his tail back at some point next year.”
