The New York Yankees series against the Mets has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. While it is possible they could host a doubleheader on Monday, a player and coach have reportedly tested positive with the virus after playing in Miami. The weekend off should give players like Aaron Judge a chance to rehab and return for next week, but that doesn’t affect the Yankees’ injured list much.
Ultimately, the Yankees are playing with mostly reserve players at this point, similar to 2019, when manager Aaron Boone lead the team to 103 wins with a band of misfit toys.
Who are the New York Yankees missing?
Aaron Judge
Judge went down with a grade-1 calf strain last week after playing at Tropicana Field. If you know anything about Tropicana, it is that the Astroturf can be problematic for players. Boone stated that “wear and tear” was the catalyst behind Judge’s injury. Utilizing cleats instead of tennis sneakers on the Astroturf hurt his calf, but Judge “begged” management to keep him on the active roster.
Nonetheless, management placed him on the 10-day injured list as a precaution, and while the Yankees survived the first few games without him, they were recently swept by the Tampa Bay Rays at home over three games.
Judge is expected to return to the lineup shortly, stating that he is 100% healthy.
Giancarlo Stanton
Things get a little bit more problematic when it comes to Stanton, who suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out a minimum of three weeks (from time of injury). He was extremely upset over his most recent issue, also suffered a Tropicana Field on the Astroturf. The Yankees simply don’t have any luck against Tampa Bay this year, and they will be without Stanton for at least two more weeks.
Zack Britton
Britton picked up a hamstring injury against the Rays two nights ago, surviving just two innings and giving up a run. The Yankees ran tests immediately after his departure, and he will also be out a few days after being placed on the 10-day injured list.
Gleyber Torres
Torres recently picked up his production, stepping out of a significant cold streak at the plate. However, when running to second base on a grounder, Torres stumbles into an injury…literally. MRIs revealed two strains in his left quad and hamstring, which will keep them out for a few weeks, at least.
James Paxton
Paxton felt discomfort in his elbow following his outing against the Rays on Thursday evening. Despite a solid showing, this could be extremely problematic for the lefty pitcher. The Yankees were confident in going into the 2020 season.
Luis Avilan
An MRI revealed shoulder inflammation that will keep Avilan off the mound for at least 10-days (injured list).
Kyle Higashioka
Higashioka has been out with an oblique strain but is pain-free.
Luis Severino
Severino underwent Tommy John surgery before the MLB shut down operations earlier this year. He won’t be ready to play again until 2021, making this the second consecutive season where he missed significant time.
Domingo German
German‘s case is a bit different, as he was seen hitting his girlfriend at an event by an MLB employee. This situation was extremely problematic and frustrating for Yankee fans, considering the awful situation that surrounds around it. German apologized and has reportedly entered counseling, but it’s difficult to forgive someone who engaged in such a profane act.
DJ LeMahieu
LeMahieu went down with a thumb sprain against the Boston Red Sox several nights ago. After an overextension of a swing, he immediately felt pain but tried to shake it off. He was pulled after attempting to play in the field, and he is at least two weeks out from a potential return.
Tommy Kahnle
The Yankees also lost one of their top relief pitchers in Tommy Kahnle. He underwent Tommy John surgery and will be out until next summer; this is a major loss for the Bombers who have struggled with their bullpen arms.