As we journey towards the post-season, the New York Yankees are attempting to return several influential players who have been hampered due to injury. Starting pitcher Luis Severino and relief option Dellin Betances are both preparing for minor-league rehab assignments that would allow them to return to the team before the end of the regular season.
However, one of the more impactful bats in the lineup and starting quality defender, Edwin Encarnacion, is inching closer to a return as well. The Yankees mid-season acquisition from the Seattle Mariners was on a home run tear before going down with a fractured wrist, but has been hitting in the cage and manager Aaron Boone stated he should be back sooner rather than later.
Encarnacion plucked ground balls and played catch, further proving his successful rehab.
“From my understanding that went well,’’ Boone said of Edwin.
The Slugger was hitting .238 for the Yanks before suffering the injury, and while that number doesn’t jump off the page, his home run totals are what make him a significant weapon in the batting order. With 30 homers on the year, the Bombers need his influence back, along with fellow first-baseman Luke Voit.
Statistically, Encarnacion is the better defensive option and will likely return in that facet, while Voit acts as the everyday designated hitter.
The Yankees will need both players healthy for the playoff quest considering their lack of quality pitching in the starting rotation and bullpen. I expect to see heavy doses of Adam Ottavino and Domingo German/Masahiro Tanaka. It also seems as if James Paxton will earn the nod ahead of J.A. Happ in the rotation.
Another New York Yankees injury update:
Outfielder Giancarlo Stanton is also on the track to recovery, as he was seen launching lasers during batting practice on Tuesday night. Consistent injuries have derailed him this year, forcing him to the injured reserve list. Having just 38 total plate-appearances this year, Stanton will look to return before the playoffs to gain some momentum and help his team succeed down the stretch.