New York Yankees: Big players are finally returning

The New York Yankees have received some excellent news in the past week. As far as injuries are concerned, all of the key pieces are expected to make a full recovery in September/October. With Edwin Encarnacion and Luke Voit back in action, the healing process continues to brighten spirits and leave New York Yankees fans excited for October.

Aaron Hicks

Hicks, who was placed on the 10-day IL with a right flexor strain back in early August, is the only player who might not make a return until early October. Aaron Boone has elected to play his cards carefully and is taking the healing process one step at a time. The last thing Boone needs is another player rushed back onto the baseball diamond with a risk of turning the situation into a disaster, especially this close to the postseason.

The good news? Hicks resumed throwing activities and progressed sufficiently through rehab on Tuesday. The bad news? The infamous injury bug might prevent his return until early October. While Hicks may not be as productive as other players, he is still essential for the team’s success in October. Out of 96 plate appearances in the month of July, he produced a .259 AVG, .344 OBP, .529 SLG, .363 wOBA and a 126 wRC+. Although his defensive numbers haven’t been as sharp compared to the 2017 season, Hicks can still cover a massive amount of terrain and has the ability to create some spectacular catches.

Dellin Betances

Betances, who is dealing with a right lat strain, is expected to be out until at least September 14. He was seen throwing to live hitters on Tuesday, which included Clint Frazier, Giancarlo Stanton, and Tyler Wade. Boone is quite thrilled with his progress and was asked on the matter recently. “I thought he looked really good. It was really exciting today. Just to see him throw the ball the way he did,” said Boone.

Since his time in the majors, Betances has been an extremely reliable reliever for the New York Yankees. In 66.2 inning pitched last season, he acquired a 2.70 ERA, 2.47 FIP, 1.95 xFIP, and a 1.05 WHIP. His strikeout percentage was outstanding, walk percentage was adequate and limited the long ball to a minimum. Betances and Luis Severino will both pitch with Double-A Trenton Thunder this Friday, which is excellent news.

Giancarlo Stanton

Stanton, who is recovering from a knee injury, is excepted to be out until at least September 6. He was involved in a live hitting exercise with Betances on Tuesday. Stanton will be heading to Single-A to acquire more live at-bats this weekend with the Tampa Tarpons. Just as Boone was impressed with Betances and his recovery, he believes Stanton is presenting some “momentum” and should be back with the Yankees relatively soon.

Although Stanton has been injured for most of the season, he will be an absolute treat in the batter’s box come October. In 705 plate appearances last season, he drove in 38 HR and 100 RBI, slashing a .266 AVG, .343 OBP, .509 SLG, .360 wOBA and a 127 wRC+ in the process.

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Gio Urshela

Urshela, who is recovering from a groin injury, is expected to be out until at least September 8. Urshela ran today and might have the opportunity to play this Sunday vs the Boston Red Sox. Assuming the injury bug remains invisible, everything should resolve itself in the end.

Urshela has been an absolute wrecking ball with his magical bat this season. In 414 plate appearances, he has collected 18 HR and 67 RBI. He also possesses a ridiculous .331 AVG, .370 OBP, .555 SLG, .383 wOBA and a 140 wRC+ with a 3.0 fWAR. In 400 plate appearances, Urshela is in the top 25 for AVG, SLG, wOBA, and wRC+.

Luis Severino

Severino, who has been recovering from a right lat strain, is expected to be out until at least September 7. Just like Betances, Sevy is scheduled to pitch a live game in Trenton this Friday. Last Sunday, Sevy toed the slab with Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railriders. In 1.0 inning, he allowed 3 hits, 2 runs and struck out 2 batters on 33 pitches. Sevy was excited about the performance, comparing the opportunity to “getting into a room where a lot of candy is.”

In 191.1 inning pitched last season, Sevy accumulated a 3.39 ERA, 2.95 FIP, and a 1.14 WHIP. He also acquired a 10.35 K/9, 2.16 BB/9 and a 0.89 HR/9 through which all add up to excellent and sufficient numbers.

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