The New York Yankees added a strong arm to their bullpen depth by re-signing Lou Trivino. But this proved to be a double-edged sword. Trivino’s not-so-long-ago Tommy John surgery is expected to keep him out until the second half of the 2024 season. Now that’s a challenge that comes with an uncertain timeline.  

Both the team and the pitcher are in a fix now. To know the implications of this move, it becomes critical to look at the 32-year-old’s history. Trivino’s elbow woes started right before the season of 2023. What started as a strain turned into a persistent pain. And with that took off his stint at the IL. 

Lou Trivino’s Tommy John Surgery Sidelines Yankees Reliever, But Hope Remains for Second-Half Return

Unfortunately, there were further complications, which led to dreaded news in May. Trivino had to undergo Tommy John surgery. It ended up sidelining him for the entire season. Perhaps the team had it prepared for the worst since Trivino had struggled with various arm issues throughout his career. But isn’t it perilous that he still hasn’t recovered for the 2024 season? 

Well, recovering from a Tommy John surgery takes approximately 14-18 months. On one hand, the exact date of Trivino’s surgery isn’t public. On the other, reports suggest he underwent the procedure in May 2023. It ensures he could potentially return sometime late in the summer or early fall of 2024. He would be missing from the Yankees bullpen for around half the season. 

With Trivino unable to play until later in the year, the bullpen remains a work in progress. Established arms like Aroldis Chapman and Clay Holmes will take up primary roles. However, it’s possible that the team may explore options to fill the gap. Internal candidates like Miguel Del Pozo and Clarke Schmidt are fantastic options. Or the Yanks might even look to the relievers’ trade market for help.

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What To Expect of Lou Trivino’s Potential Upon Return?

This reliever’s performance pre-surgery was impressive. In the entire last season (2022), he displayed an extraordinary strikeout ability – 67 strikeouts in 53.2 innings. Not only that, he had an impeccable groundball rate. And despite a slightly inflated ERA (4.53), his capabilities remain unquestioned. But will he be able to uphold his prior status? 

Read More: Yankees Add Lou Trivino to Bullpen: Salary, Incentives & Full Contract Breakdown

Well, it’s no secret that returning from Tommy John surgery can be challenging. Recouping from his injuries and delivering at the same level of command and velocity isn’t guaranteed. Yes, setbacks aren’t uncommon. But with a successful rehab in the minor leagues, he might just be ready when he returns. The big leagues await his speedy return.