The New York Yankees have placed right-handed pitcher Ian Hamilton on the 7-day COVID-19 injured list, retroactive to May 19. This is the first time the Yankees have used the COVID-19 IL since 2022, with the protocol implemented in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Players placed on this list must be out for a minimum of seven days, following CDC guidelines. Hamilton has been a solid reliever for the Yankees this season with a 3.18 ERA in 22.2 innings pitched, continuing his success from the previous season with a 2.64 ERA in 2023.
Hamilton’s recent struggles with a 5.06 ERA over the last two weeks of play have led to his placement on the COVID-19 IL. He will be out for at least seven days with a potential return date of May 26. The 28-year-old Hamilton was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 11th round of the 2016 MLB Draft and signed with the Yankees as a free agent in Jan. 2023. In his place, left-handed pitcher Clayton Andrews will have an opportunity. Andrews has a career 27.00 ERA in four MLB appearances and a 6.60 ERA in 12 Triple-A appearances this season.
The Yankees have had success this season in large part due to their bullpen, entering Monday’s game with the tied-for-best bullpen ERA in baseball at 2.49. Closer Clay Holmes has yet to allow an earned run in 20 innings with 13 saves, while pitchers like Nick Burdi, Luke Weaver, and Victor González have also had standout performances. Despite Hamilton’s absence, the Yankees hold the best record in the American League at 33-15 and will look to continue their success in the upcoming games.
The COVID-19 IL was last utilized by an MLB team in Aug. 2023 when the Boston Red Sox placed left-handed pitcher Brennan Bernardino on the list. Hamilton is the first player to be placed on the COVID-19 IL this season. The implementation of this list in 2020 allowed for players to be placed on an injured list that followed CDC guidelines and required a minimum seven-day absence. The Yankees have made roster moves to accommodate Hamilton’s absence, selecting Clayton Andrews to the active roster and designating Colby White for assignment.
Hamilton’s recent struggles have led to his placement on the COVID-19 IL, but the Yankees have a strong bullpen overall with several key players stepping up this season. The team’s success has been evident in their record as they hold the best record in the American League, entering Monday’s game with a 33-15 record. Despite Hamilton’s absence, the Yankees will aim to continue their success with the support of their strong bullpen and impactful performances from other pitchers.
