The Yankees have spent most of the season battling through some frustrating offensive inconsistency. Yes, power was never the issue, and they led the league with 225 home runs. But critics pointed out how inconsistent they were. Just see their latest home run derby against the Nationals, and it would be hard to believe that the Yankees are 25-24 since July. Lately, though, things are starting to click.

After sweeping the Nationals, New York is showing signs of a more balanced offense. They sit third in the AL East, just two games behind the Red Sox, and are pushing hard for an October run. But just as momentum seemed to be building, the Yankees took a tough hit.

It came from manager Aaron Boone as he announced on Thursday that key reliever Jonathan Loaisiga will miss the rest of the season with a flexor strain.

“Jonathan Loáisiga’s season is over due to a flexor strain but will not need surgery,” Talkin’ Yanks reported.

Well, the Yankees just can’t seem to catch a break!

Fresh off a dominant three-game sweep of the Nationals, the team looked like it was building some serious momentum heading into Thursday night’s matchup with the White Sox. But the good vibes took a hit with the news that Loaisiga will miss the rest of the season.

For the unversed, it’s a frustratingly familiar story for Loaisiga.

Earlier this month, he landed on the injured list with mid-back tightness. And just as he was working his way back, elbow soreness popped up. Tests revealed a flexor strain, yes, not severe enough for surgery. But still enough to shut him down for the year. But is that impactful enough for the Yankees?

So, Loaisiga’s numbers this season don’t jump off the page! It’s a meagre 4.25 ERA, 25 SOs, and a 1.48 WHIP over 30 outings. But his value came in the flexibility he gave Aaron Boone. Whether it was covering multiple innings or stepping into big spots, he was a piece of the bullpen puzzle that’s not easy to replace, especially with the Yankees fighting for playoff positioning.

Yankees’ injury trends continue to haunt Boone

Remember how Boone didn’t sugarcoat it that bullpen implosion against the Astros earlier this month? “We’re kind of short down there at that point,” he admitted.

The comment came after Devin Williams gave up three runs in the 10th inning. He literally turned a 2-2 tie into a 5-2 hole the Yankees couldn’t climb out of. So while Boone caught some heat for calling on Williams in such a big spot, the reality is his pitching options are thin. And injuries have been piling up all year.

From Gerrit Cole to Luis Gil, it’s felt like Boone has been scrambling just to put together a lineup that can compete.

And now, with Loaisiga officially out for the season, the challenge only gets tougher. His absence leaves a big hole in one of the team’s most versatile bullpen roles. And Boone will likely have to lean more on Triple-A arms or the club’s recent trade deadline additions.

Reportedly, David Bednar and Camilo Doval are expected to play bigger roles alongside Williams and Luke Weaver as the bullpen shoulders more pressure down the stretch.

Yes, it’s again Devin Williams!

Nevertheless, the Yankees have been hot lately. They won seven of their last 10, which has reignited their playoff push. But losing a trusted reliever like Loaisiga at this point again challenges Boone to pass the October test with a battered bullpen.