The New York Yankees have sure missed his contributions on the batter’s box and on the field, where his glove could have made a difference in at least one of the hotly contested affairs against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park this weekend. But at long last, third baseman Gio Urshela is back with the team after a stint on the COVID-19 injured list. He could be activated on Sunday.
“That was a boring 10 days,†Urshela said, according to MLB.com. “I had to do something; trying to feel the bat, keep it in the mind.â€
Urshela hasn’t played for the Yankees since July 11, prior to the All-Star break. Upon play resuming in the second half, it was revealed that the team had several positive cases: Aaron Judge, Kyle Higashioka, Nestor Cortes Jr., Jonathan Loaisiga, Wandy Peralta, and Urshela.
It was the second time the Yankees’ third baseman got infected with the virus, as he also got it in the offseason.
The Yankees third baseman is ready to get back
“It’s a little weird,†Urshela said. “I feel good. I feel like I’m rested — a little too much. I’m ready to get back.â€
Cortes and Loaisiga were activated on Friday. Peralta could need a Minor League rehab assignment before rejoining the big league roster, while Judge and Higashioka will be activated for the Rays’ series early next week.
After stringing together four wins in a row, the Yankees have dropped the first two games against the Red Sox at Fenway Park on Thursday and Friday. They actually got to the ninth inning up 3-1 in the first contest, but Chad Green blew the lead and Boston eventually won on extras.
Urshela, who is hitting .275 with a .315 OBP, a .756 OPS and 11 home runs this season, will help stabilize the infield somewhat, one that is also missing first baseman Luke Voit as of now.
The Yankees are expected to be active near the July 30 trade deadline.