The Yankees’ reeling bullpen has taken another hit, with reliever Lou Trivino set to undergo Tommy John surgery Wednesday.
Trivino has been bothered by a right elbow strain since spring training and Tuesday’s news only adds to the woes of Yankees’ already decimated pitching staff.
He joins a list that includes relievers Jonathan Loaisiga (right elbow inflammation) Tommy Kahnle (right biceps tendinitis), and Scott Effross (Tommy John surgery), and starters Carlos Rodon (back/left forearm strain), Luis Severino (strained lat), and Frankie Montas (shoulder surgery).
Luis Gil is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, and is expected to return for the second half of the season.
Only Loaisiga has appeared in a game this season.
Trivino had traveled to Los Angeles this week to get a second opinion from noted orthopedist Neal ElAttrache who, after examining him, confirmed the worst.
“More than anything right now, kind of just feeling for [Trivino] and knowing how hard he works,” manager Aaron Boone said before Tuesday night’s game with the Guardians. “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.
“Feel like, you know, we’re still gonna have a chance to have a really good bullpen.”
Boone texted with the 31-year-old Trivino on Tuesday and explained the pitcher feels “bummed” about the situation but is looking forward to getting back out to the mound next year.
“A guy like him is going to work really hard to put himself in the best position possible,” Boone said.
Those healthy in the bullpen have been falling short, most recently Clay Holmes who blew a 2-0 lead in the ninth inning Monday night en route to a 3-2 loss to the Guardians.
That cost the Yankees a win 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 at last July’s trade deadline, is signed through this season.
He spent six years with the A’s 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, 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.”