That doesn’t mean Cousins is ready to pitch, but rather that he can begin throwing bullpens. The 30-year-old is on the 60-day injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow, and won’t be eligible to join the Yankees’ bullpen until the end of May. Cousins will be a middle-inning option as soon as he’s well enough to be one.

Cousins, a key reliever for the club in the second half of last season, is back throwing and probably would have been a candidate for the bullpen before the end of May, but the Yankees are opening up his spot on the 40-man for Pablo Reyes.

Cousins is recovering from a forearm strain and hasn’t been able to participate in Grapefruit League games. The 30-year-old will all-but-assuredly begin the 2025 season on the injured list, but once healthy, he has a chance to be a late-inning option for the New York bullpen.

Cousins added that his UCL “looked great” following an MRI. He should still have a shot at being ready for Opening Day if things go well after he resumes throwing.