The New York Yankees over the past few years have seemed to catch the injury bug week after week. As soon as one player gets healthy and is ready to return, another player goes down and takes his spot on the injured list.
It is a vicious cycle that the boys from the Bronx can’t seem to escape. Unfortunately for the Yankees and their fans, this pattern doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon, thanks to the latest injury to Harrison Bader.
Harrison Bader Injured...Again
Just when Yankees fans thought the injuries couldn’t get any worse this year, center fielder Harrison Bader walked off the field in the third inning during Monday’s series opener in Seattle with right hamstring tightness.
Bader, who was trying to beat out an infield single, noticeably stepped weirdly as he ran over the bag and was in clear discomfort standing on base. After conversing with the team’s training staff, Bader made his way to the dugout and was replaced by Greg Allen.
During the post game press conference, Yankees Manager Aaron Boone revealed that Bader ,“Just felt it pull on him a little bit” and that the (training staff) “doesn't seem to think it’s too serious.” However, after completing an MRI on Tuesday, the Yankees placed Bader on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain.
This news is a huge loss for the Yankees as Bader just got back earlier this month from a stint on the injured list for the oblique strain he suffered in March. Bader in 26 games this season has a batting average of .267, six home runs, 19 RBI and an OPS of .806. On top of the offensive spark he provides for the Yankees, he is also one of the league's best center fielders with five outs above average.
While Yankees fans hope and pray for a quick recovery from Bader, there is no exact timetable for his return. On the bright side for the New York franchise, other key players are set to make their return.
Bader leaves the game with an apparent injury pic.twitter.com/7j89dzjHsb
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 30, 2023
Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle to return
Although there is never a good time for injuries to happen, Bader’s fortunately occurred while the Yankees are finally getting some players back from the injured list. Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson and Tommy Kahnle are the most noted players to be returning to the Bronx from the IL.
Stanton, who suffered a hamstring strain back in April started the season off hot, a spark the Yankees lineup needs desperately at the moment. The only concern with Stanton is if he will be able to stay healthy the rest of the season.
Donaldson, who also suffered a hamstring strain back in April, didn’t start the season as well as most were hoping for, batting .125 with one home run, one RBI and an OPS of .489. However, the veteran experience and depth he adds to a depleted roster will surely give the Yankees more options day in and day out with the lineup.
Kahnle, who has been on the IL since March with right bicep tendonitis was a huge loss to a very shallow bullpen. With the injuries of Carlos Rodón, Jonathan Loáisiga and Lou Trivino, the Yankees can't have enough pitchers. With one of the Yankees best relievers in Ian Hamilton going down with injury, Kahnle’s return is one the Yankees are eager to have back.
All three players just finished rehab assignments with the Somerset Patriots, the Yankees Double-A affiliate, and plan to reunite with the Yankees in L.A as they start their four game series with the Dodgers on Friday.
Three’s Company #RepBX pic.twitter.com/ljZlB75KeE
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) May 31, 2023
Anthony Rizzo Injury Update
In the top of the sixth inning in the series finale against the San Diego Padres, first baseman Anthony Rizzo had a scary collision with Fernando Tatis Jr. The contact between the two caused Rizzo to leave the game with a potential neck injury.
In the postgame interview, Aaron Boone said that “Rizzo’s good. [We’re] just being cautious there.” Boone also mentioned that, “He went through all the testing and was fine. We’ll just keep an eye on him tonight and tomorrow.”
Rizzo, who initially was going to be available for the Seattle series ultimately missed all three games with a stiff neck. However, Boone mentioned to the media on Wednesday that he plans to have Rizzo back in the lineup on Friday.
Anthony Rizzo left today's game in the 7th inning (neck), but Aaron Boone says he's "fine" after going through tests postgame.#YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/q0Ol7fGnif
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 28, 2023
Yankees still on the IL
With all the moves being made on and off the IL the hope is that no new players join the movement. The players that still remain on the injured list as of May 31st are as follows:
- Carlos Rodón (LHP) - Left elbow strain and back tightness. Possible return: TBD
- Ian Hamilton (RHP) - Right groin strain. Possible return: Mid June
- Frankie Montas (RHP) - Right shoulder inflammation. Possible return: Second half of season
- Jonathan Loáisiga (RHP) - Bone spur in right elbow. Possible return: August/September
- Lou Trivino (RHP) - Tommy John surgery. Possible return: 2024
- Scott Effross (RHP) - Tommy John surgery. Possible return: 2024
- Luis Gil (RHP) - Tommy John surgery. Possible return: Second half of 2023
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