The New York Yankees could clearly use some upgrades in the upgrade and perhaps another starting pitcher and reliever. The trade deadline is less than a week away, and these games are crucial for the Bombers as they decide which approach they will take come July 30.
One of the reasons why they need to entertain the possibility of bringing at least one top starting pitcher is Corey Kluber’s injury. The right-hander was having an amazing season when he suffered a right subscapular strain on his shoulder back in May 25, an injury that has kept him out of action ever since.
However, the Yankees are hopeful he can contribute in September. For the first time in nearly two months, Kluber showed significant progress as he took a mound on Friday at Fenway Park, throwing 25 fastballs and letting the club personnel know that his right shoulder responded as expected.
“It’s not what I would normally do on a side in-between starts, but that wasn’t the intent,†Kluber said to MLB.com. “The most important thing is how I bounce back and how I recover from adding new steps along the way.â€
The Yankees would love to have him back in September
The Yankees’ right-hander, signed to a one-year deal in the offseason, threw a no-hitter on May 19 against the Texas Rangers, but got hurt in his next outing versus the Toronto Blue Jays.
The 35-year-old veteran knows that Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has said he would love a September return, but the pitcher does not want to circle a specific date.
“If I do that, I start getting ahead of myself,†Kluber said. “I’ve just found that it’s easier for me to take it day by day and not worry too far in advance. That’s probably the best way to be honest with yourself.â€
Because of the uncertainty surrounding Kluber and his return, the Yankees would be better off pursuing a starter around the deadline. But if the Klubot returns in the last month of the season, he could provide a huge boost.