Empire Writes Back
Fansided

Yankees News: Dustin Ackley To The Disabled List

By Kenneth Teape

May 5, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Dustin Ackley (29) catches a fly ball in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Baltimore Orioles won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Dustin Ackley (29) catches a fly ball in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Baltimore Orioles won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

New York Yankees News: Utility man Dustin Ackley has been placed on the 15-day DL with a separated shoulder; Rob Refsnyder has been re-called to take his place on the roster.

New York Yankees news in recent weeks has revolved a lot around injuries, as the aging roster has already had it’s fair share of bumps and bruises. The most recent Yankees news once again is about an injury, as utility man Dustin Ackley has been placed on the disabled list.

While Ackley doesn’t see a ton of playing time for the Yankees, this will be a tough injury to overcome because of the role that Ackley fills. He is their current utility player, as he plays all over the field. He is capable of playing second base, outfield and first base, which presents the biggest problem for the Yankees; they lost their backup first baseman.

While Ackley is versatile, his play at first base will be what is missed most. The Yankees do not have another backup first baseman, as they will be going with Austin Romine and Chase Headley at first base to backup Mark Teixeira. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem, but with the injuries and ineffectiveness of Teixeira this season, the need for a backup has been heightened.

Teixeira was able to play Sunday after missing four straight games with a stiff neck, so he is not overly healthy right now either. The Yankees are hoping that he can battle through the injury though, as they will be without Ackley for the foreseeable future.

More from New York Yankees

Ackley injured himself Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays while sliding. The injury is expected to keep him out longer than the 15 days, so the Yankees will have to make things work with their bench until then.

In a correspodning roster move, the Yankees have recalled second baseman Rob Refsnyder from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Refsnyder has been solid this season in the minor leagues, slashing .294/.340/.404 through 35 games and 136 at-bats.

Refsnyder will find it difficult to get on the field though, as the Yankees do not have a clear cut need in the middle infield. Starlin Castro has been arguably the Yankees best hitter this season, so he will continue seeing virtually all of the playing time there; he has sat out only one game this season.

Refsnyder has experience playing the corner outfield spots, but there is already a logjam there so it is tough to imagine Refsnyder taking more at-bats away from Brett Gardner, Carlos Beltran, Aaron Hicks or Jacoby Ellsbury.

Next: 5 Greatest New York Yankees Of All-Time

While Refsnyder is one of the top prospects in the Yankees system, he will have to wait for his chance to make an impact with the major league club. He will find sporadic playing time for the time being, so if he wants to see the field more he will have to make the most of the opportunities given to him.

Home/New York Yankees