Since the very beginning of spring training for the New York Yankees we already started to wonder, does the “ next man up “ mantra continue into 2020?Â
Right now it feels like déjà vu, with 5 players already out with injuries, including big name players like Right Fielder Aaron Judge, starter Luis Severino (who is recovering from Tommy John surgery) and former NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton. Â
The injury bug hit the Yankees hard last year sending 37 players to the IL in 30 IL stints. Still the Yankees were able to overcome all the injuries and finished with over 100 wins last season. Â
Following the record breaking number of injured players last year, the Yankees fired their strength and conditioning staff. Now a days players seem to be getting hurt a lot more often. The days of high consecutive games played seems to be in the past.Â
So how could we keep these players on the field and off the IL ?
We know our players love to hit the gym and lift weights to stay in shape, but what about yoga? I know yoga might be the last thing you would think players with big frames like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton should be doing. But really the question should be why not yoga?Â
Will we see Yankees on the Yoga mat?
Yoga works on your core, agility, endurance, strength and most importantly flexibility, which helps prevent injuries.Â
For years professional athletes and teams have been using yoga to improve their game and prevent injuries. Big name players in the NFL and NBA like Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James and even New York Jets Quarterback Sam Darnold.
I think the Yankees can really benefit from this and maybe should add this into their routine.Â
Opening day was set to start a week from today, but has now been pushed back to a date that has not been determined yet. With there being a delayed start to the season, maybe we will see Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton Opening Day after all. And maybe they can all use this extra time to work on some yoga.Â
Hopefully baseball will be back soon. And I’m hoping you all stay safe.Â