BOSTON — The Yankees look happy to get out of their injury woes. After struggling for over two months after as many as 15 players were out on the injured list, the thinned bullpen is to get back its size soon with the return of Anthony Rizzo and Aroldis Chapman.
Scott Effross, who had a shoulder strain, is also recovering fast and may return from the injured list this month.
The three-time All-Star was without a chance to play since August 30 following back pain. Epidurals to treat back pain led to side effects including headaches and spinal problems extending his stay on the injured list.
Rizzo was at Fenway Park, where he practiced catching, running, and other agility drills. In addition to that, he is scheduled to increase his workload shortly.
According to Aaron Boone, the manager of the Yankees, Rizzo could have his first live at-bats in weeks on Friday in Milwaukee against a reliever, who is in the process of rehabbing.
He is most likely to face Effross, as he is scheduled to pitch.
When asked about Rizzo’s possible return, Boone indicated that the weekend wasn’t out of the question.
“I think Sunday is a possibility, but we’re going to listen to his body and listen to him and see where we think we are as the weekend unfolds,” he told.”
Rizzo went on the injured list because he was having what he called “massive” headaches after getting an epidural to treat his lower-back spasms, which have been a problem for him for years, but especially this season.
The 33-year-old player has reported that he is feeling much better. However, it is also possible that he won’t be able to return to the Yankees’ starting lineup until Tuesday when the Yankees begin their home stand against the Pirates.
Some more information about injuries:
- Scott Effross has been making excellent progress. Since going on the injured list, he hasn’t pitched to actual batters. Perhaps, the Yankees have session for him on Friday.
- DJ LeMahieu, who has a toe problem, has not yet been cleared to face live pitching, but he did throw in the outfield on Wednesday.
- Aroldis Chapman is expected to return to the Yankees’ big-league roster on Saturday after missing time due to a leg infection linked to a tattoo.
- Zack Britton, a reliever, will begin his rehab assignment with the Triple-A team in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders rather than the Double-A team in Somerset.
- Matt Carpenter, who is struggling after a broken foot, has no update and continues to be on the injured list.
- Andrew Benintendi is recovering from a hamate surgery and there is no certainty when he will return to the Yankees lineup.
Why do you think the Yankees have so many players on the injured list? Do you blame the team brass for it?
