Yankees activate reliever Jonathan Loáisiga from injured list as team tries to secure wild-card spot

The New York Yankees activated reliever Jonathan Loáisiga from the injured list on Wednesday ahead of their pivotal game against the Toronto Blue Jays. In a corresponding move, the Yankees optioned veteran left-hander Andrew Heaney to the Florida Complex League.

Loáisiga, 26 years old, hasn’t pitched since Sept. 3 because of a strained rotator cuff. Prior to being placed on the shelf, he had emerged as one of New York’s best relievers. In 54 appearances this season, he’s accumulated a 2.25 ERA (191 ERA+) and a 4.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Heaney, 30 years old, was acquired by the Yankees at the trade deadline from the Los Angeles Angels as a way of shoring up the back of their rotation. Unfortunately, that vision never manifested as reality. Heaney made 12 appearances for the Yankees, five of them starts, and posted a 7.32 ERA (59 ERA+) and a 3.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His struggles stemmed from a penchant for giving up the home-run ball, as he surrendered 13 home runs in 35 innings in pinstripes. 

Heaney has enough big-league service time that he could’ve rejected an optional assignment. Yet Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters (including Lindsey Adler of The Athletic) that the two sides agreed to an optional assignment in place of the team designating him for assignment. Heaney has more than six years of service time, meaning he’ll qualify for free agency at season’s end.

The Yankees entered Wednesday with a 90-67 record on the year, giving them a two-game advantage in the American League wild-card race over the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees also possess a 2 1/2-game lead over the Seattle Mariners and a three-game lead over the aforementioned Blue Jays.

New York will send ace Gerrit Cole to the mound on Wednesday night. A win would ensure the Yankees have at least a 2 1/2-game lead over the first team out of the postseason with just four games remaining on the schedule.