The Yankees update the status of two injured infielders

New York Yankees, Gio Urshela
Feb 18, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Gio Urshela (29) during the first day of spring training workouts at the Player Development Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees’ series against the Houston Astros last week left a good taste in fans’ mouths, as they took two out of three games against their hated rivals. However, it also left two infielders injured.

One of them was the Yankees’ starting third baseman Gio Urshela, who sustained an injury in his left knee on Thursday while trying to make a play in the field. The team was scared enough to send their player for an MRI, but it ultimately didn’t show anything concerning.

Urshela ended up missing the entire weekend series against the Washington Nationals while recovering from his knee soreness. Fortunately, the Yankees say he is feeling a lot better these days.

In fact, the star third baseman will likely be back in the Yankees’ lineup for Tuesday’s series opener vs. Tampa Bay, according to skipper Aaron Boone.

“That’s the hope. He’s going to go through some baseball activities today (Sunday) to get him going. I know he’s probably started the process. So we’ll see how he responds today — and obviously with the off-day tomorrow — hopefully we’ll see where we’re at then.”

The Yankees say Odor is doing fine but he isn’t close to returning

Another Yankees’ infielder got injured in the Astros series: Rougned Odor. His ailment took place on Wednesday after a play at home plate, in which his left knee bent awkwardly. Thankfully, it was a sprain, which is a much better outcome than other potential knee injuries, like damage to the ligaments or the meniscus.

Boone said that Odor took swings and did infield work prior to Sunday’s game. The infielder is doing well, but he is not yet allowed to ramp up baseball activities. The Yankees want to make sure there are no setbacks with his knee.

With the Yankees getting back Luke Voit this week, DJ LeMahieu will slide back to his natural second base position, leaving Odor without a clear path to playing time. He is a valuable piece to have around, nonetheless.