Mark

Leiter Jr.

That sounds rather painful. Leiter, who says he was hurt covering first base a couple of weeks ago, has made 41 appearances with a 4.46 ERA and a 46/12 K/BB in 34 1/3 innings for the Yankees. Ian Hamilton will probably take on some higher-leverage innings in his absence.

Leiter now has two saves on the season. There are at least two options ahead of him on the depth chart in Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, so fantasy managers shouldn’t expect more in the coming weeks/months. He has pitched well in 2025, however, with a 2.28 ERA and 35/7 K/BB ratio over 25 appearances and 23 2/3 innings of work.

Williams entered this game after having not pitched since Sunday and needing some work with the Yankees up 4-0. He proceeded to give up two singles, two walks, and a wild pitch that eventually put the tying run on second base before being pulled from the game for Mark Leiter Jr. to earn the unlikely save. Williams’ now has an ugly 12.00 ERA through his first few appearances as a Yankee.

Leiter apparently was amped up while pitching for the first time in 16 days; he averaged 94.1 mph with his sinker, up from 91.5 mph last year. Leiter struggled some after arriving in New York last summer, but he was a nice setup man for the Cubs for the year and a half before that. He might become one again at this rate.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters that Leiter felt “something” in his back to keep him from making his scheduled Grapefruit League appearance. The good news is that Leiter is scheduled to throw a live bullpen session Sunday, so there’s still a chance the 34-year-old can be ready for Opening Day.

Leiter had files at $2.5 million. The 33-year-old struggled for the Mets after arriving in a trade with the Cubs last summer, posting a 4.98 ERA in 21 2/3 innings. He has a 3.98 ERA and a 236/71 K/BB in 190 innings over the last three seasons.

Leiter takes the roster spot of Will Warren, who was sent down after Saturday’s game.

With Mark Leiter Jr. headed to the Paternity list, Effross will come up to join the team for at least the next three days. The veteran has pitched to a 2.78 ERA and 28:9 K:BB ratio in 32 1/2 innings at Triple-A this year.

Congrats to Mark and his family. He will miss the next three games before likely returning on the final day of the season. Scott Effross was called up in a corresponding move.

Leiter Jr. has been fantastic as of late, and while his 4.21 ERA isn’t aesthetically appealing, he’s been able to register a 53/13 K/BB over his 36 1/3 innings with the Cubs. He’ll join the New York bullpen and likely work in high-leverage situations late in games.