Yankees Lose Star Reliever to IL

The New York Yankees pitching staff has taken another hit.

Hard-throwing reliever Jonathan Loaisiga was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. This will likely knock him out for the rest of the season.

This news comes after the Yankees placed fellow relievers Ian Hamilton (groin) and Keynan Middleton (shoulder inflammation) on the IL, which will also likely keep them out for the rest of the season.

The Yankees recently announced starting pitcher Nestor Cortes (shoulder/rotator cuff) will miss the rest of the year as well.

As for Loaisiga, he missed a majority of the season after undergoing surgery to remove a bone spur in his right elbow, forcing him to miss three months.

Loaisiga was initially placed on the IL in April with the same right elbow inflammation, so the hope is that he does not have another bone spur that needs to be removed.

The 28-year-old had a 3.06 ERA and 0.849 WHIP in 17.2 innings this year. 

The hope is that he can return healthy and be an impact in the Yankee bullpen next season.