The Yankees activated Zack Britton from the 10-day IL prior to Thursday’s series opener against the Red Sox, but lost two other lefty pitchers in the process.
Both Nestor Cortes Jr. and Wandy Peralta have been placed on the COVID-19 IL, joining Jonathan Loasigia, who is also on the COVID list for health and safety protocols. The Yankees, who are above the 85 percent vaccination threshold, had an outbreak of breakthrough cases earlier this season, with eight cases among the coaching staff and Gleyber Torres. Nearly all except third base coach Phil Nevin were asymptomatic.
Cortes represents a big loss for the Yanks, as he holds a 1.05 ERA through 25.2 innings so far this season. His last two outings have come in a starting role, and has allowed just one run in those two appearances combined.
Peralta had just returned from the IL due to a back strain and had allowed one run in two innings in his short time back. Loasiga was placed on the COVID IL before the All-Star break.
Britton’s return is crucial for a Yankee bullpen that is now thin in depth due to health and safety protocols. He has pitched just 4.1 innings this season after undergoing elbow surgery before the season and suffering a hamstring injury shortly after making his season debut on June 12.
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