While the Yankees starting rotation is scrambling to plug the injury holes, the bullpen is looking brighter with Ian Hamilton showing progress as Opening Day approaches.
The righty reliever threw his first live batting practice of the spring Thursday since contracting an infection early in camp that slowed down his build-up to a Grapefruit League debut.
With two weeks left until Opening Day against the Brewers on March 27, Hamilton told The Post following his session that he feels he is ramping up at the perfect time to be ready for the big day.
“Oh yeah, I’ve been throwing every day and everything,” Hamilton said. “So, arm strength is there. It’s just getting a couple more live BPs in with some people and then I should be alright.”
The 29-year-old threw 20 pitches, throwing a mix of four-seam and two-seam fastballs, and sliders. Hamilton said he felt “good with everything” while facing Aaron Judge, Dominic Smith and Dillon Lewis.
One more live batting practice session is on his schedule and a Grapefruit League debut should follow.
“Definitely want to get into game situations and actual game feel,” Hamilton said. “My bullpens are great, but still there is no one behind you, know what I mean? You’re just facing the hitter and you’re just with the catcher. So, being out there with everybody and feeling like you’re a part of the team again will be great.”
Ian Hamilton, who is back on the mound after suffering an infection earlier in Yankees’ spring training, said he hopes to be ready to go by Opening Day.
Hamilton is itching to return to the mound while the bullpen is dealing with injuries to Jake Cousins, Scott Effross, Tyler Matzek, and Clayton Beeter.
Last year, the New Hampshire native’s time on the Yankees’ run to the World Series was cut short after he suffered a calf strain in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Guardians.
It was his first taste of the postseason and he received a shot to make it back in time for the World Series, but the Yankees didn’t wait for the results and Hamilton was removed from the ALCS roster.
Ian Hamilton throws a pitch earlier during Yankees’ spring training.
His other postseason outing came in Game 2 of the ALCS, when he struck out three batters and allowed one hit in one inning.
Across 35 games last season, Hamilton had a 3.82 ERA.
He emerged from the minor leagues in 2023 when he had a breakout season with a career-best 2.64 ERA and 69 strikeouts across 39 games.