New York Yankees catch a break in MLB coronavirus halt

James Paxton

Big Maple was in the middle of his 3-4 months recovery after undergoing a lumbar discectomy in February to remove a peridiscal cyst. Paxton would’ve been shelved for at least the first two months of the year if the season started on time since his return date was around mid-May.

The southpaw seems to be on pace for his mid-May return after throwing 25 times from 60 feet on Wednesday pain-free.

The extra time off should only benefit Paxton. With the season delayed until mid-May, Big Maple should be ready to go for Opening Day or close to it. Instead of starting the season down two starters (Paxton and Severino), the New York Yankees would only have to worry about filling the gap for one.

Gary Sanchez

Earlier this month, the Yankees catcher missed a couple of days of Spring Training after feeling tightness in his lower back. Sanchez said that he felt the tightness after he caught back-to-back games for the first time this spring. New York Yankees skipper, Aaron Boone told the media that he wasn’t “too concerned” about Sanchez’s injury.

There was no telling that this back tightness was going to result in an IL stint for Sanchez. That is not likely to be a concern anymore. He will have plenty of time between now and whenever the season starts to get himself healthy.