The 2026 season begins and the Dodgers surprise with an addition to their pitching rotation. They bet on a reliever brought in from the Yankees after he failed to shine in New York as a result of injuries. This is Jake Cousins.
In Los Angeles, there is confidence in him. Dave Roberts, the team’s manager, sees him as recovered and believes he is a pitcher capable of strengthening the bullpen. The team’s fans also give him the benefit of the doubt, considering him an effective pitcher when he is in top form.
Cousins arrives to fill the gap left by Bobby Miller after being placed on the 60-day disabled list. He is still not recovering from his injuries, including shoulder inflammation that continues to bother him.
The injury to Jake Cousins that prevented him from showing up for the Yankees
The news of the Tommy John surgery was a blow for Cousins, who was virtually unable to pitch in the majors during the 2025 season. He first suffered a forearm strain that kept him out of the Grapefruit League during spring training, before being placed on the 60-day injured list prior to Opening Day with a right elbow strain.
His recovery was slightly delayed by a bout of pectoral soreness in mid-May, though he went on to complete the necessary bullpen sessions and live batting practice before embarking on his rehab assignment, during which he posted a 7.71 ERA in 2 1/3 innings with High-A Hudson Valley.
Cousins, a bet that didn’t pay off for the Yankees
The organization’s management acquired the White Sox pitcher in March 2024, who had posted a 2.37 ERA in 38 regular-season innings before posting a 9.00 ERA in six playoff appearances. However, after the conclusion of the campaign, he fell into the shadows of injury, so the Chicago team offered him in exchange for money, a figure that was not publicly disclosed.
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