The New York Yankees just can’t catch a break with injuries. Just when they thought they had their first baseman back for good, Luke Voit suffered another injury that will keep him sidelined for a significant amount of time.
The Yankees’ slugger is headed to the injured list with a Grade 2 right oblique strain, several outlets reported on Wednesday afternoon.
The initial estimates have Voit missing about a month with the ailment, but that’s not a given, as the injury is extremely unpredictable. Erik Boland explained that right fielder Aaron Judge missed 54 games in 2019 after suffering a similar injury.
Voit had already missed most of the season with a partially torn meniscus that required surgery, and just when he needed at-bats to gain some timing and rhythm at the plate, the unfortunate injury occurs.
Voit was hitting .182/.280/.250 since coming back from the injured list, with one home run and a 57 wRC+ in 12 games and 50 plate appearances for the Yankees.
What will the Yankees do at first base now?
Now, after this news, the Yankees will either have to rely on first baseman Mike Ford to cover the position while he is out, or go to the trade market in search of help. Sliding DJ LeMahieu to the first sack is also an option.
Voit is one of the Yankees’ most valuable performers. It was evident during his absence to start the campaign that no first baseman on the roster can supply the power and patience he is capable of providing.
Last year, Voit led Major League Baseball with 22 home runs during the shortened season, and the Yankees’ lineup has been missing that power element.
The Yankees will have to endure yet another crucial injury after the Corey Kluber one that took place on yesterday and several others they have had to deal with in the season.