It’s been a long journey for New York Yankees relief pitcher Ian Hamilton. It’s a journey that has involved being a part of four different organizations, brief call-ups, longer stints in the minors, and bad luck injuries. With the Yankees losing Lou Trivino, Tommy Kahnle, and Jonathan Loaisiga to injuries; Hamilton is proving that he is indispensable. He is also becoming one of the most reliable arms out of the bullpen for the Yankees.
His Time With The White Sox And Unlucky Injuries
In 2016, Ian Hamilton was drafted in the 11th round by the Chicago White Sox. It would take him just two years in the minors before making his debut for the Sox in 2018. However, Hamilton opened the 2019 season on the injured list with minor shoulder inflammation suffered in a car accident. When he returned, Chicago optioned him back to Triple-A Charlotte and things would only continue to get worse for Hamilton. During a June 6th game, while sitting in the dugout, he was struck in the face by a batted ball. Hamilton would have three teeth knocked out and suffer multiple facial fractures requiring many surgeries to repair. Hamilton would miss the rest of the 2019 season.
The First DFA
Late in the 2020 season, Ian Hamilton would be designated for assignment by the White Sox. He appeared in 14 games in his short career with Chicago and had an ERA of 4.50. He would then be picked up by the Seattle Mariners. Hamilton wouldn’t appear in a game for the Mariners during the 2020 season.
Two Releases And His Time With The Minnesota Twins
During that offseason, Hamilton would once again be placed on waivers and be claimed by the Philadelphia Phillies. However, he would never get to play a game for Philadelphia. He instead would be placed on waivers for the second time that offseason and be claimed by the Minnesota Twins. Hamilton would once again be placed on waivers for the third time that offseason after the Twins signed reliever Alex Colome. Nobody would claim Hamilton this time and he would be playing for the Twins Triple-A team in St. Paul.
However, on June 3rd, the Twins would bring Hamilton up to the big club. In his only appearance for the Twins, Hamilton had a rough outing. In 2.2 innings, he allowed three hits including a home run, walked a batter, and gave up two runs both earned. Hamilton would be sent back down to the minors three days later.
Traded To Cleveland
After spending most of the 2022 season in Triple-A, Hamilton would be traded to the Cleveland Guardians for Sandy Leon. Hamilton would spend the remainder of the 2022 season with the Guardians Triple-A team in Columbus. However, Hamilton would have a rough season with Columbus. In 15 appearances across 18 2/3 innings, Hamilton would 0-4 with an ERA of 6.27 with 24 strikeouts. After the season, Hamilton elected to be a free agent without having thrown a pitch for Cleveland.
Finding Success With The Yankees
During the 2023 offseason, Hamilton would sign a minor league contract with the New York Yankees. Despite not making the team out of camp, he agreed to move the opt-out date in his contract to April 5th. On April 3rd, just after the opening series of the season, the Yankees called him up to the major league organization. Since his call-up, Hamilton hasn’t looked back. In 12 appearances, Hamilton is 1-1 with an ERA of 1.42 to go along with 23 strikeouts and a FIP of 2.05. He also most recently picked up his first career save on May 6th against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Due to the rash of injuries that hit the Yankees early this season, New York has constantly needed roster sports. Given that Hamilton is proving just how reliable he is out of the bullpen, New York hasn’t even thought to send him back down to Scranton-Wilkes Barre. With Lou Trivino, Tommy Kahnle, and Jonathan Loaisiga all out with injuries; Hamilton is going to be relied upon to pitch in a lot of key situations. Given what he’s gone through during his journey, nothing phases him.
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