New York Yankees: Team depth tested early
By Ed Stein
The New York Yankees injury situation has gone from bad to worse. Already missing a few pitchers as well as two everyday players, another pair of regulars landed on the injured list.
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has had a tough six weeks and the regular season isn’t even six days old yet. One by one, he’s seen key players lost to injury. The latest wounded are third baseman Miguel Andujar and designated hitter/left fielder Giancarlo Stanton. Now missing the left side of their starting infield along with a pair of outfielders, the Bronx Bombers are scrambling to fill holes.
It was known shortstop Didi Gregorius would be out until mid-season after elbow surgery last summer. That’s why general manager Brian Cashman signed veteran Troy Tulowitzki to fill in until Gregorius returns. Simple stuff.
The Yankees brought lots of talent to Tampa this spring. There were more good players than roster spots and some good players weren’t going to make the roster. When center fielder Aaron Hicks went down in spring training they could cover it.
More from Empire Writes Back
- Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet!
- Last Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet!
- Caesars New York Promo Code Gives TWO Chances to Win Betting on Your Yankees!
- PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets!
- Caesars NY Promo: $1,250 Bonus to Celebrate the Return of Judge!
Actually, since both Luke Voit and Greg Bird were excelling in their first base battle, instead of alternating the pair as originally planned, Brett Gardner would move to center, Stanton could go out to left and either Voit or Bird could DH while the other plays first.
It was a good plan until Monday. First, the New York Yankees lost starting third baseman Andujar to what is listed as a “tight shoulder.” In fact, he may have a torn labrum, the cartilage that keeps the shoulder joint in place. Bird was sidelined for all of 2016 with the same injury.
At this time, Andujar is optimistic he won’t need surgery to repair the damage. Former all-star second baseman and off-season free agent signing DJ LeMahieu, a career .298 hitter, will be his replacement most of the time. The Yankees recalled Tyler Wade from Triple-A to help out at third as well.
Power hitter Stanton has a grade one left biceps strain. He will be replaced by Clint Frazier in the lineup. Frazier was also scheduled to play for Scranton-Wilkes Barre but is once again a New York Yankees player. In case anyone was wondering, Jacoby Elsbury just started his return from the injuries that sidelined him for all of 2018. He is hitting off tees and soft tossing. Don’t expect him to be any help.
Next. An MVP season could see Judge become next Yankee captain. dark
Fortunately, the Bronx Bombers are deep. They will be tested in the next few weeks and beyond.