The Yankees have accelerated the timeline for Jonathan Loáisiga, who is back ahead of schedule.
The righty is no longer rehabbing, activated from the injured list before Friday’s Subway Series opener in The Bronx.
The original plan had called for Loáisiga to throw on consecutive days in the minors this weekend, but the Yankees apparently felt he was ready.
The corresponding roster move was significant: The Yankees have designated Tyler Matzek for assignment, perhaps the end of a brief tenure after the veteran lefty so impressed in camp.
Loáisiga will be on a major league mound for the first time since April 3 of last year, after which he required elbow surgery that cost him about 13 months.
The high-octane bullpen arm looked strong in six rehab games, allowing one run in 7 ⅓ innings while striking out nine.
He can be used for length, having tossed two innings in one game with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
If Matzek is lost on waivers or through a trade, he would have lasted just seven games in pinstripes.
The seven-year major leaguer allowed three runs in 6 ⅓ innings, his largest issue the five walks he had issued.
