The Yankees will be down a veteran bullpen arm for the rest of whatever playoff push they make.
Darren O’Day’s season is “likely” over due to the left hamstring strain he suffered during a pregame workout on July 6, manager Aaron Boone said Sunday.
“I would say it’s likely his season is over, but we’ll have some more information on that when it’s ready to give out,” Boone said before finishing a series against the Red Sox in The Bronx.
Boone had called O’Day’s injury “significant” shortly after it had happened.
The 38-year-old reliever also missed two months earlier in the season with a right rotator cuff strain but had otherwise pitched to a 3.38 ERA across 12 appearances. He pitched in just two games after coming back from the shoulder injury before getting hurt again.
Boone had trusted the sidearmer in high-leverage situations, and he was supposed to be one of the important arms bridging the gap from starters to Aroldis Chapman.
The Yankees’ bullpen has largely been strong this season, recording a 3.66 ERA despite being beat up by injuries and Chapman’s recent struggles. Another late-inning option, Zack Britton, just returned from a second IL stint, while Jonathan Loaisiga could be on his way back from the COVID-19 IL this week. Relievers Michael King (right middle finger contusion) and Wandy Peralta (COVID-19) are also currently on the IL.
O’Day’s future with the Yankees is now up in the air, as he has a player option for 2022. The Yankees signed him to a $2.5 million deal in January with the money freed up from trading Adam Ottavino to the Red Sox.