New York Yankees have an entire winning lineup on the injured list
By Ed Stein
It’s been a rough stretch for the New York Yankees the last week and a half as they try to closeout the A.L. East. It would be easier if they didn’t have an entire winning team on the IL.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that the New York Yankees have been struggling lately. They are 3-6 in their last nine games and some mild panic seems to be setting in among the faithful. Look no further than the injured list as the reason for their struggles.
The Yankees would have a good team with just the injured players on it. Further manager Aaron Boone deserves to be the American League Manager of the Year for not only surviving this season’s injuries but thriving despite them.
Let’s take a look at a team that could start anywhere.
Catcher/DH
DH – Greg Bird was supposed to be the New York Yankees designated hitter most day this year when he wasn’t filling in for Luke Voit at first base. It never really happened for Bird as the slugger got off to an absolutely horrid start to 2019. He hit .171 with a single home run in 35 at-bats through April 13 when he tore the plantar fascia in his foot.
There isn’t a time table for his return and one might not come. This most recent injury could signal the end for Bird’s time wearing the pinstripes. Since bursting on to the scene in 2015, he’s been a major disappointment to the fans and organization. His tantilizing power is still something another team might take a flier on.
C – Gary Sanchez has his detractors but is the lynchpin of this team. When he plays well, so do the Yankees. Unfortunately, he was in a huge slump leading up to his placement on the injured list. The month prior to him getting pulled from the active roster on July 24, he hit just .118 (7-for-85) in 85 at-bats. Sanchez’ batting average dropped to .229 from a season-high .274 on June June 21.
I have a theory about the backstop. Sanchez plays injured more than we know and doesn’t say anything until it’s painfully obvious that he is struggling. At this time he is recovering from a groin strain and isn’t very far from returning. Boone told the media yesterday:
"Gary’s probably doing a little better than we anticipated at this point so we’re encouraged there. He ran inside today, he’ll get in the cage today and I believe he’ll run outside possibly tomorrow. I think he’s eligible Saturday, I don’t think that’s in the cards, but he’s doing pretty well, which is encouraging."
If there is one player the New York Yankees can’t afford to lose long-term it’s Sanchez.