Aubrey Hampton: Everything you need to know

The Yankees optioned Hampton (elbow) to Double-A Somerset and resigned him to minor league camp Thursday. Hampton underwent Tommy John surgery in February of 2025, which resulted in him not pitching for the whole season. As the 2026 season nears, the right-hander is still progressing for a possible return in May or June.

Hampton (elbow) has been throwing on flat ground and could return to pitching in games in May or June, per MLB.com. Hampton underwent Tommy John surgery last February, so he didn't pitch at all during the 2025 campaign. The right-hander nonetheless remains one of New York's top pitching prospects and was added to the 40-man roster in November, as the Yankees opted to shield him from the Rule 5 Draft. Hampton is likely to spend much of the season at the Double-A level once he's ready to throw in games again.