TAMPA – While the Yankees are scrambling to block the hole in their injuries while they begin spinning, the bullpen looks brighter as Ian Hamilton shows progress as the first day approaches.
Righty Reliever threw his first live batting practice in Thursday's spring after contracting the infection early in camp, which slowed the build-up to Grapefruitreeg's debut.
With two weeks left until the opening day with the Brewers on March 27th, Hamilton told a post-session post that he feels he's launching at the perfect time for his big day.
“Yeah, I throw everything every day,” Hamilton said. “So there's the strength of the arm. I'm just getting some more live BP with some people and I'm fine.”
The 29-year-old threw 20 pitches and threw a mix of four-seam and two-seam fastballs and sliders. Hamilton said he felt “good for everything” while facing Aaron's judges, Dominique Smith and Dillon Lewis.
Another live batting practice session is on his schedule, and Grapefruitreug's debut should continue.
“We definitely want to get into the situation and the actual atmosphere of the game,” Hamilton said. “My bullpen is great, but still there's no one behind you. Do you know what I mean? You're just facing a batsman, you're just with the catcher. So it's great to be with everyone and feel like you're part of the team again.”
Hamilton is itching to return to the mound while the bullpen deals with injuries to Jake Cousins, Scott Efross, Tyler Matzek and Clayton Beter.
Last year, his time from New Hampshire on the Yankees' run to the World Series came shorter after suffering calf tension in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Guardians.
It was his first taste of the postseason, and he received a shot to make it to the World Series, but the Yankees didn't wait for the outcome and Hamilton was removed from the ALCS roster.
His other postseason outings came in Game 2 of the ALCS. He hit three batters and allowed one hit in one inning.
Hamilton had an ERA of 3.82 in 35 games last season.
He came out of the minor leagues in 2023. He had a breakout season with a career-high 2.64 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 39 games.
