Injury Updates: Key Players on the Mend
The New York Yankees have been dealing with several injuries that have impacted their performance. Ian Hamilton, a right-handed pitcher, is recovering from a right lat strain. He is expected to return in August or September. Hamilton is scheduled to throw a high-intensity bullpen session on August 6. He needs to advance to facing hitters in live batting practice and pitch in Minor League games. He resumed his throwing program during the week of July 7 after dealing with a minor version of the same injury earlier in the season.
Jose Trevino, the Yankees’ catcher, is also on the injured list with a left quad strain. Diagnosed on July 14, Trevino started his running progression and was throwing at Yankee Stadium as of July 18. Manager Aaron Boone noted that Trevino’s improvement is better than anticipated. Trevino is expected to return in August or September.
First baseman Anthony Rizzo is recovering from a right forearm fracture. Injured on June 16 in Boston after colliding with pitcher Brennan Bernardino, Rizzo has been performing fielding work and has been swinging a bat lightly as of August 2. Boone mentioned that Rizzo still has a ways to go but is encouraged by his progress.
Roster Moves and Player Progress
The Yankees have made several roster moves to bolster their lineup. They acquired Mark Leiter Jr., a pitcher, and Jazz Chisholm Jr., an outfielder, to strengthen their roster. These acquisitions are part of the Yankees’ strategy to remain competitive despite their injury woes.
Jon Berti, an infielder, is recovering from a left calf strain. He is back to running at approximately 80% after a setback during the All-Star break. Berti received a second platelet-rich plasma injection on July 20. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 12, with an initial recovery time expected to be six to eight weeks from his May 24 injury date. Boone said Berti is trending back in a good direction as of August 3.
Right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt is also on the mend from a right lat strain. Schmidt is scheduled for his first live batting practice session on August 6. He threw approximately 20 pitches from the bullpen mound without problems on July 20, marking the first time since his May 26 start at San Diego. Schmidt resumed his throwing program on June 24 following a May 29 MRI.
Trade Deadline Recap
The MLB trade deadline saw the Yankees making strategic moves. They acquired Mark Leiter Jr. and Jazz Chisholm Jr. to address their roster needs. The Yankees were among the teams actively seeking to improve their lineup. Other notable trades included the Los Angeles Dodgers acquiring Jack Flaherty and the San Diego Padres trading for closer Tanner Scott.
The Yankees’ strategy at the trade deadline focused on bolstering their bullpen and adding depth to their outfield. This approach aims to address the team’s current weaknesses and prepare for the postseason. The Yankees’ interest in players like Tanner Scott and Kyle Finnegan highlights their focus on strengthening their bullpen.
Performance Highlights and Concerns
The Yankees have experienced a significant slump, with a record of 6-16 in their last 22 games, marking their worst stretch since 1917. Gleyber Torres was benched by Boone during the Yankees’ 8-5 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Torres failed to hustle after hitting a ball to left field, resulting in only a single instead of potentially more bases. Later, he was thrown out at home due to his earlier lack of hustle. Torres now leads MLB with five baserunning outs at home and the most errors at second base. Boone pulled Torres from the game after his first at-bat and replaced him with Oswaldo Cabrera. Torres showed remorse for his actions and handled the situation professionally postgame.
Marcus Stroman had another poor performance, giving up seven earned runs on eight hits and a walk in just 2⅔ innings against the Blue Jays. Stroman has not thrown a quality start since June 22 and hasn’t lasted seven or more innings since May 31. His recent performances have been detrimental to the bullpen, with an ERA now at 4.10 and an unsightly FIP of 5.17.
Gerrit Cole’s Return
Gerrit Cole is on track to start Sunday after being scratched from his previous start due to “general body fatigue” caused by a stomach virus. Cole threw a bullpen session on Friday and reported feeling better. Despite Stroman’s struggles, Carlos Rodón and Luis Gil have been performing well recently. Fans were initially worried about Cole’s health due to past injury concerns but were reassured by his recovery.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees face a challenging schedule ahead, with upcoming series against top-seeded teams like the Philadelphia Phillies. The team aims to bounce back from their recent slump and make a strong push for the postseason. The return of key players from injury and the recent roster additions are expected to play a crucial role in the Yankees’ performance in the coming weeks.
In summary, the Yankees are navigating a tough period with several injuries and a recent slump. However, the team’s strategic moves at the trade deadline and the progress of injured players provide hope for a strong finish to the season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Yankees strive to overcome their challenges and secure a spot in the postseason.
