As Opening Day for the New York Yankees grows closer and closer, injury concerns continue to mount. With Aaron judge already ruled out for Opening Day after being diagnosed with a stress fracture on a rib, others continue to deal with lingering elements.
Giancarlo Stanton is still recovering from a grade one calf strain, which could keep him out for the next few weeks. However, on Saturday, Stanton hit off the tee and participated in flipped tosses. It has been two weeks since he initially suffered his right calf strain during fielding drills, and normally grade one injuries of that nature only require 7-10 days to recover. Stanton is a different beast, though, as he often takes longer to rehab after minor injuries. It could be his bodybuilder stature or poor strength and conditioning rehabilitation programs.
The New York Yankees are facing more injury challenges:
The latest Yankee to go down is catcher Gary Sanchez, who is behind the plate for two consecutive games before feeling discomfort in his lower back. Sanchez didn’t travel to Sarasota on Sunday to face off against the Orioles, but he will likely return to clear water on Monday with the Yankees as they take on the Phillies.
“I feel better (Sunday). I definitely feel better than (Saturday),†Sanchez said Sunday through a translator.
The soreness in Sanchez’s back shouldn’t be taken too seriously; he describes it as a little tight and uncomfortable, which comes from working out the kinks in spring training.
“Little tight, a little uncomfortable. Treating it after catching games back to back,†Sanchez said. “Better for me to take care of it now, it’s the right time to take care of anything, you don’t rush anything especially in spring training when you have time. It’s up to the trainers.â€
With the regular season just three weeks away, Sanchez needs to regain his stamina, especially if the Yankees wish to feature him in a proper starting role. The Yankees strength and conditioning staff has already taken a look at Sanchez, and he hasn’t been asked to take any MRIs to check on any significant issues.
The injury seems to be just soreness and lack of live-action over the past few months. I expect Sanchez to return fully healthy in the next few days as he works out the stiffness in his lower back.