Yankees News: Positive Justin Wilson injury update, Jay Bruce expresses excitement about making team

The New York Yankees are heading into the regular season with a few injuries under their belt. Things could’ve been worse, but they did lose relief pitcher Zack Britton and Justin Wilson — Wilson is fighting to get back to normal before the start of the season on April 1.

Wilson has recently begun throwing off the mound, having a successful session over the weekend.

“I got all the way to 90 feet and felt really normal,’’ said Wilson. He also mentioned he’s at about 75-80% of his program.

The Yankees desperately need Wilson to be back to normal as soon as possible, especially with Britton expected to be out for another few weeks. Wilson was solid for the New York Mets in 2020, earning a 3.66 ERA over 19.2 innings.

“I’m not sure it’s set in stone either way,’’ Wilson said. “I know they’ve got a few things they want to see on their checklist.”

Luckily, the Yankees are slowly getting healthier in the pitching department but did lose starting first baseman, Luke Voit, to a partially torn meniscus. He will be out for a minimum of three weeks but recently underwent surgery to correct the issue. Manager Aaron Boone had stated it was better to get the injury out-of-the-way now than play through it and potentially make it more serious.

Jay Bruce on making the Yankees active roster:

Due to Voit suffering the meniscus injury, slugger Jay Bruce made the roster in his absence. Bruce could fill the first base spot in his absence, despite being a traditional right fielder.

“I’m extremely excited to make the team,’’ Bruce said. “Luke’s injury is disheartening for everyone. … He is a big part of the team. My goal is not to come here and replace Luke Voit. It’s to be Jay Bruce and help this team, just like I planned when I signed here.”