Another injury shocker for ex-Yankees fan favorite

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Just as Gio Urshela was beginning to regain his footing, fate dealt another tough blow to the former Yankees fan favorite. On Thursday, the Oakland Athletics placed the 32-year-old third baseman on the injured list with a left hamstring strain — the latest in a growing list of setbacks that have defined the latter half of his career.

While the move may not send major shockwaves through the A’s infield rotation, the news adds another frustrating chapter to ex-Yankees beloved Urshela’s persistent battle with injuries — and casts doubt on his long-term durability as he tries to stay relevant in a shifting Major League landscape.

The gold card moment before the fall

Ironically, the injury news came a day after a touching clubhouse moment, when teammate T.J. McFarland congratulated Urshela for reaching eight years of MLB service time. The milestone earned him a coveted “gold card,” granting him lifetime access to MLB games — a rare privilege and a symbol of endurance in a sport where few make it that far.

“There was a lot of clapping and smiles in the room,” McFarland said. “It’s a huge accomplishment. You can tell Gio’s been through a lot to get here.”

Indeed, few players in recent Yankees memory have combined grit and grace like Urshela.

Once a favorite Yankees fixture

Urshela endeared himself to Yankees fans between 2019 and 2021. Originally thought to be organizational depth, he exploded onto the scene as a reliable everyday third baseman during a rash of infield injuries. He quickly became known for his slick glove, clutch hitting, and even temperament.

He hit .292 in 2019 with 21 home runs and a .889 OPS — numbers that made him one of the most productive hitters on the roster that season. In the chaos of a Yankees lineup that rotated due to injury, Urshela became a calming constant.

“He brought stability to that team,” said Yankees analyst Brett Sampson. “He wasn’t flashy, but he came through in big moments. Fans loved that.”

Urshela’s injury history

Unfortunately, durability has become Urshela’s greatest challenge due to multiplicity of injuries. His injury timeline reads like a medical chart:

• 2020: Elbow bone spur (minor surgery).
• 2021: Hamstring strain, brief COVID-19 IL stint.
• 2022: Back tightness with the Twins.
• 2023: A devastating pelvis fracture while with the Angels ended his season.

The 2023 pelvic fracture, suffered while hustling to first base, was by far the most serious. He missed the rest of the season and required months of rehabilitation. Though he returned to action in 2024, the injury’s lingering effects have shadowed him.

Now, in 2025, the left hamstring strain adds yet another hurdle — coincidentally a recurrence of the same injury he suffered in August 2021 during his Yankees tenure.

A’s roster moves and the bigger picture

The timing of Urshela’s IL designation aligns with the Athletics’ call-up of outfield prospect Denzel Clarke, though Clarke is not a direct replacement. Clarke’s arrival adds depth to Oakland’s outfield, not the infield where Urshela operates.

Instead, utility man CJ Alexander — batting .252 with a .348 OBP in Triple-A — is the most likely short-term fix. The 28-year-old was claimed from the Royals last September and is expected to serve in a bench role.

Meanwhile, Miguel Andujar, another ex-Yankee, has taken over third base duties. Though swinging a decent bat, Andujar has struggled defensively, registering -3 Outs Above Average in limited innings, according to Baseball Savant.

The A’s also recently promoted Nick Kurtz, their No. 1 prospect, to first base — a domino move that pushed Tyler Soderstrom to the outfield and Andújar to third. Urshela’s absence simply solidifies Andújar’s hold on the hot corner, at least temporarily.

“It’s about roster elasticity,” said A’s insider Jason Burke. “And right now, Urshela’s absence isn’t make-or-break. But he’s the kind of guy teams quietly rely on — a professional, experienced presence. You feel it when he’s gone.”

What’s left for Urshela?

Urshela entered Thursday batting .224 with no home run, 13 RBIs, and a .276 OBP — modest numbers that don’t tell the whole story. He’s still a dependable defender and veteran presence. But with mounting injuries and declining power, questions about his future grow louder.

As of now, there’s no firm timetable for his return. Soft-tissue injuries like hamstring strains can vary widely in recovery time depending on severity. And given his history, caution is almost guaranteed.

A Bronx beloved still fighting

Even if his best days are behind him, Gio Urshela’s journey remains compelling. He’s been counted out before — waived, traded, benched — but always found a way to return. Whether he earns another meaningful role with Oakland or elsewhere remains to be seen.

“I wouldn’t bet against him,” said former Yankees coach Phil Nevin. “He’s got too much character for that.”

For now, Yankees fans who once cheered Urshela’s diving stops and clutch doubles in the Bronx will have to watch from afar — hopeful that the gold card he earned Wednesday won’t become the symbol of a career winding down, but rather a reminder of one still worth watching.

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