New York Yankees skipper Aaron Boone gave us an injury update on four key players in a recent radio interview.
Giancarlo Stanton
Stanton was diagnosed with a grade one calf strain in spring training. He had just two plate appearances and was expected to miss an extended period of time.
“He’s doing really well and should be good to go whenever we get ready to go back,” said Boone of Stanton.
Aaron Hicks
Hicks injured his arm in August, and the team thought that he would be able to avoid Tommy John surgery. He was able to return for part of the postseason, but more tests after the season showed that he did need Tommy John.
“He’s doing really well,” said Boone. “He’s already doing soft toss from both sides of the plate and throwing out to 90+ feet.”
Hicks could potentially be the first player to undergo Tommy John surgery in the offseason and still play on Opening Day.
James Paxton
Paxton underwent surgery in February to remove a peridiscal cyst in his back.
“James Paxton, who’s gonna be ready in mid-May, is on that timeline,” said the third-year skipper. “He’s already thrown five or six bullpens, and I think he actually threw a sim game yesterday to a couple guys where he is. His rehab has gone really really well.”
Aaron Judge
Judge was sidelined at the beginning of Spring Training due to a fractured rib and collapsed lung sustained in September of 2019.
“He’s due for another CT scan, I believe in couple more weeks,” said Boone. “This time down has allowed that rib, that bone, to continue to heal.”
With the season possibly beginning next month, the Yankees hope that players will be able to report soon if they choose to.