New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman spoke with the media on Friday and covered several topics about the roster constructions, expectations, and how the team will enter the 2021 season.
He implied that the roster may not be finished, but if it is, then the Yankees are ready to start the season with what they currently have. They lost three starters in James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, and J.A. Happ, but basically replaced them with Jameson Taillon and Corey Kluber, plus Domingo German, who will be returning from a long suspension.
But the New York Yankees’ general manager was joined in the session by the team manager, Aaron Boone, who provided an update about a crucial piece of the lineup: Gio Urshela. The starting third baseman underwent surgery in early December to have bone chips removed from his right elbow.
At the time, team doctors estimated that the two-way star would be out for the next three months. That timeline wouldn’t affect Urshela’s availability for the regular season, but could have kept him sidelined for lots of spring training games.
The Yankees’ third baseman is already ahead of schedule
Boone explained that Urshela has been hitting off a tee, taking ground balls and throwing at the Yankees’ spring training complex. That represents tremendous progress and is an encouraging sign for the Yankees’ overall health outlook.
Actually, it appears that Urshela is progressing ahead of schedule. He should be fine for Opening Day, barring a setback, as he is, little by little, regaining his health to the delight of the team.
Urshela was one of the Yankees’ top performers in the shortened 2020 season, hitting .298/.368/.490 with six home runs, 24 runs, 30 RBI, a .365 wOBA, and a very solid 133 wRC+. When he is on the lineup, he is expected to be a steady presence in the middle of the Bombers’ lineup.