With Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton out of the lineup, the New York Yankees have been forced to muscle on without their sluggers. However, they’ve managed to crawl to a 32-17 record, an impressive bout of execution for a team battling the injury plague.
Another influential player that has been missing for the Bombers is starting shortstop Didi Gregorius. After tearing a ligament in his arm and having Tommy John surgery, Didi has been spending his days rehabbing. Luckily, he has made significant and efficient progress and will see the starting team sooner than expected.
What did New York Yankees manager Boone have to say about Didi?
Before the Yankees were rained out against the Kansas City Royals, in which they will play a doubleheader on Saturday, manager Aaron Boone updated us on the shortstop’s timetable for return.
Boone stated, “there’s a good chance” Gregorius return in fewer than 20 days, according to Bryan Hoch. He will likely beat out Judge and Stanton who are both battling significant injuries, the latter suffering a strained calf in a rehab game down in Tampa.
"There is a good chance" that Didi Gregorius returns to the Yankees in fewer than 20 days, Aaron Boone said.
— Bryan Hoch ?? (@BryanHoch) May 24, 2019
Gaining Didi back will not only provide the Yankees with a seasoned veteran, but he will also offer leadership and direction for the younger players on the team. A solid player that is loved in the clubhouse will certainly benefit the organization as a whole.
His return will likely force Gleyber Torres back to second base, his normal position, and DJ LeMahieu to a reserve or DH role. I wonder if the Yankees will feature Didi as the DH upon his return in an attempt to ease him back into baseball shape. They don’t want to rush his progress in fear of causing inflammation or any bi-product of over-usage.
Nonetheless, he will be a huge addition for a team succeeding with minimal talent on the roster. The roster is slowly gaining back their every-day starters.