The New York Yankees haven’t been able to avoid the injury bug all season. Losing both starting-quality first baseman surely didn’t help in their quest for success, but luckily they’ve been able to supplement their loss in production with other players.
However, they’re close to getting both Luke Voit and Edwin Encarnacion back from injury. Voit is expected to start a rehab assignment next Friday.
“The way we have it mapped out, there is a chance he could join us that Friday when we start the homestand,†Boone said, according to the NY Post.
Encarnacion, on the other hand, has been hitting off a tee and scooping ground balls, a good indication that he’s inching closer towards a potential return. The Yankees desperately need his bat in the lineup and his ability to hit homers in critical situations.
According to Aaron Boone, Edwin is progressing nicely:
“From my understanding that went well,’’ Boone said of Encarnacion, who was participating in physical activity after a fractured wrist.
There’s no timetable for return regarding Encarnacion, but Boone stated that the Yankees are expecting him back.
“No, but certainly expect him back. Hopefully he is not too far off,” as per Boone.
Edwin is hitting .240 on the season with an impressive 30 homers and 76 RBIs. He was an integral part of the Yankees lineup and is the favored designated hitter. The Bombers have been working utility man DJ LeMahieu into the ground with the absence of their two starting first baseman.
Gaining them back will be extremely important for a playoff run, and their run support will be welcomed with open arms. Health is the primary catalyst for success when it comes to the Yankees. They’re also scheduled to have starting pitcher Luis Severino and relief option Dellin Betances return right before the post-season rolls around.