The New York Yankees have a huge problem at first base

As if the starting pitching rotation wasn’t enough the New York Yankees are now dealing with significant injuries at the first place position, a spot that has been relatively healthy this season.

Edwin Encarnacion who the Yankees traded for a few months back, fractured his right wrist and was placed on the 10-day injured list. He will miss a chunk of time which puts the position in jeopardy. Luke Voit, who suffered a sports hernia during a loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks will also be out for quite a while, potentially the entire season.

There is no timetable for a turn in regards to either player, so the question is, who will step up and supplement the loss of two productive players?

Thus far, Mike Ford has been the player of choice along with DJ Lemahieu, who played 18 innings at the position against the Boston Red Sox in a double-header. It’s expected that LeMahieu will be the primary option, but he doesn’t have the experience necessary to handle the corner if the Yankees make a deep post-season run.

They need either Voit or Encarnacion to return before that reality hits them in the face. Aide from Ford and LeMahieu, third baseman Gio Urshela is also capable of playing at first, which would be a last resort situation.

“That’s our first basemen right now [Ford],” Boone said. “Obviously, Gio can go there if we’re in a pinch and need something, but right now, going forward, DJ and Ford would get the bulk of the reps at first.”

Ford, who has looked the part offensively, will fill in on off days for DJ. The former Rockie has been fantastic moving around the infield as a utility player, compensating for injuries or poor play. Hitting a monstrous .336 while playing multiple defensive positions is impressive, and the Yankees will need his help down the stretch.

However, LeMahieu is coming off a minor groin injury and will need to proceed with caution.

“The fact DJ was able to avoid the IL was a big thing and we wanted to be mindful too that he is coming back from something and we want to make sure that we take care of him as well,” Boone stated.