Jake Cousins’ elbow injury rehab gets shut down for different issue

Jake Cousins’ rehab from a right elbow flexor strain has hit a snag in a different body part.

The Yankees reliever is four or five days into a shutdown because of a pec issue, manager Aaron Boone said Saturday, that popped up after his most recent live batting practice session.

“We don’t think it’s anything serious, but enough to hold him back a few days,” Boone said before continuing a series against the Mets at Yankee Stadium.

Cousins had faced Giancarlo Stanton in his first live session on May 6 and then threw another, after which the pec issue arose.

He had been hoping to be back by mid-June, but this shutdown will almost certainly delay that timeline.

Jake Cousins has been recovering from an elbow issue. Jason Szenes / New York Post

Boone said Cousins underwent tests on his pec, but did not seem concerned it could lead to something bigger.

“I just think it was him having a little bit of discomfort,” Boone said. “Hopefully it’s not anything serious.”

The Yankees already have a solid bullpen and got more whole on Friday when Jonathan Loáisiga was activated off the IL.

Jake Cousins walks off the mound during Game 2 of the 2024 World Series. Jason Szenes / New York Post

They also have Scott Effross on a rehab assignment right now and Clayton Beeter just finished his before being optioned to Triple-A, where he is providing depth should they need a fresh arm.

But if Cousins can get healthy, he would provide another back-end option with high strikeout potential after turning into a high-leverage arm by the end of last season.

The 30-year-old righty posted a 2.37 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 38 innings in 2024.