New York Yankees all-star catcher Gary Sanchez was removed from the IL prior to Saturday’s game, and he got his return off to a hot start.
Sanchez was placed on the IL on July 24th with a groin strain after a series of poor games. Kyle Higashioka filled Sanchez’s roster spot and played well in his brief time in the majors, but has now been sent back down to AAA.
After striking out on a 96 mile per hour heater in his first at-bat back, Sanchez made a loud return to the team, lining a slider into the left-center field seats for a solo-shot. August has always been Gary’s month, and he has started the month off quite well.
The home run wouldn’t amount to anything as the Yankees fell late to the Blue Jays 5-4, but it was good to see Gary back and healthy. His average had dipped down to .230, but hopefully that will go up now.
Additional Roster Moves
Yankee right-handed reliever Jonathan Holder has been placed on the 10-day IL with shoulder inflammation, and Stephen Tarpley has been recalled from AAA. It really sucks to see Holder on the IL because he has been pitching much better of late.
The Yankees have to hope that no more relievers go down soon. AAA pitchers Daniel Camarena and Domingo Acevedo have also been placed on the IL, and both are on the 40-man roster.
Because of those injuries, it makes sense now why the Yankees acquired reliever Joe Mantiply from the Reds. He has seen major league time before, but not since 2016. He could be called upon in an emergency.
Hopefully, everyone on the team can stay healthy now for the postseason run.