**BREAKING: Yankees bullpen takes an early blow – How Jake Cousins’ injury alters Opening Day plans and who will step up**

The New York Yankees’ bullpen took an unexpected hit on the eve of the 2025 MLB season as relief pitcher Jake Cousins sustained a significant injury during a routine spring training session. The injury, which is still being evaluated, has left the Yankees’ front office scrambling to adjust their Opening Day roster, as Cousins was expected to play a key role in the bullpen this season.

**Injury Details**

The incident occurred during a bullpen session in Tampa, where Cousins reportedly felt discomfort in his right shoulder after throwing a fastball. The 28-year-old right-hander, who was hoping to build on a solid 2024 campaign, immediately left the mound and was escorted to the Yankees’ medical staff. Initial evaluations have confirmed that Cousins has suffered a strain, though the full extent of the injury is yet to be determined.

Sources within the Yankees’ organization have indicated that Cousins will undergo further imaging to determine the severity of the strain and the potential timeline for his recovery. While no official announcement has been made regarding the length of his absence, early reports suggest that the injury could sideline Cousins for several weeks, putting his availability for Opening Day in jeopardy.

**Impact on Opening Day Plans**

Cousins had been viewed as a potential setup man for the Yankees in 2025. After being acquired in a trade last season, the former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher impressed with a strong fastball-slider combination, becoming a reliable option out of the bullpen. His injury throws a wrench into manager Aaron Boone’s plans for the opening weeks of the season.

The Yankees had hoped to have Cousins join their strong bullpen, which already includes veterans like Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loáisiga, and new acquisition Michael King. Boone was expected to rely on Cousins in high-leverage situations to help bridge the gap between the starting rotation and closer, Aroldis Chapman. Without him, the Yankees may need to rethink their bullpen alignment.

**Who Will Step Up?**

With Cousins out of the picture, the Yankees now face a crucial decision: who will step into his role? The organization has several promising options to fill the gap, and this injury could provide an opportunity for one or more pitchers to break into the major league roster.

1. **Greg Weissert** – The 27-year-old right-hander has been a standout in spring training and could be the first option to take over in the bullpen. Known for his deceptive slider and ability to induce ground balls, Weissert made his MLB debut with the Yankees last season and has shown promise as a late-inning reliever. His strong showing in the minor leagues could give him the edge over other candidates.

2. **Ron Marinaccio** – Another name to watch is 25-year-old Ron Marinaccio, who made his debut in 2022 and impressed with his ability to generate strikeouts. Known for his fastball and sharp curveball, Marinaccio is a potential candidate to be promoted to a higher-leverage role. If given the opportunity, Marinaccio could prove himself as a reliable late-inning option.

3. **Albert Abreu** – Abreu has been with the Yankees in previous seasons and has the experience of pitching in high-pressure situations. His fastball-curveball mix is effective, but consistency has been an issue. However, given the opportunity, Abreu could seize the moment and become a key contributor to the bullpen early in the season.

4. **Deivi García** – While García is primarily known as a starting pitcher, the Yankees could experiment with transitioning him into a bullpen role. The right-hander has struggled with consistency in the rotation but has the potential to be a dynamic force in relief. If he can harness his stuff in short bursts, García could provide a valuable arm out of the pen.

5. **J.P. Sears** – Sears, a left-handed pitcher, could also be a potential option to join the bullpen mix. Although he’s seen as a starter in the Yankees’ long-term plans, his ability to effectively attack hitters with both his fastball and changeup makes him a viable option in relief. A strong showing in spring training could push him into a bullpen role to start the season.

**Boone’s Strategy Moving Forward**

Manager Aaron Boone faces a challenging situation as the Yankees adjust their bullpen for the 2025 season. With the injury to Cousins, Boone will have to make key decisions about how to structure his bullpen heading into the regular season. In particular, Boone will need to evaluate the readiness of young pitchers like Weissert and Marinaccio, who may not have much MLB experience but have shown promise.

The Yankees’ bullpen depth will be tested early in the season, and it will be important for Boone to find the right mix of pitchers to cover high-leverage situations. With a lineup that is expected to be potent and a starting rotation that should be strong, the Yankees’ success will heavily rely on the bullpen holding leads and getting key outs in the later innings.

In light of Cousins’ injury, Boone may also consider adjusting the roles of veteran relievers like Holmes and Loáisiga to provide additional stability. Holmes, who had an outstanding 2024 campaign, could be utilized more often in setup situations, while Loáisiga’s versatility could allow him to step into higher-leverage spots if needed.

**What’s Next for Jake Cousins?**

As the Yankees wait for further medical evaluations, the question of Cousins’ return looms large. While the injury is not considered season-ending at this point, there is uncertainty surrounding the length of his absence. Should Cousins be sidelined for an extended period, the Yankees may need to explore additional bullpen options, whether through minor league promotions or trades before the season begins.

The team will also be closely monitoring the performance of their bullpen options in the coming weeks, with several pitchers vying for spots in the final roster. The Yankees’ ability to manage this setback effectively will be crucial to their early-season success, as they aim to build on their recent playoff runs and contend for a championship in 2025.

For now, all eyes will be on the Yankees’ bullpen, as they adjust to life without Jake Cousins and look to identify which pitcher will rise to the occasion and fill the void left by this injury.

**Conclusion**

Jake Cousins’ injury represents a major early setback for the New York Yankees as they prepare for the 2025 season. With key bullpen roles up for grabs, several pitchers are now poised to step up and contribute in high-leverage situations. The Yankees will need to adapt quickly to this change and rely on their depth to keep their bullpen strong. As the season approaches, it’s clear that the bullpen will be one of the most important storylines to watch for the Bronx Bombers.