Yankees injury-filled season not enough to shake up training staff

Friday November 10, 2023

The spate of injuries in 2023 is the only reason that both Yankees officials and fans unanimously agree to blame for the team’s debacle. However, that is not enough for the Bombers to bring a new team capable of keeping players injury free.

The Yankees’ season confronted injuries from the spring training itself sapping both the offense and pitching of vital players. Aaron Judge’s injury shook the team as their season nosedived. The delayed diagnosis of Anthony Rizzo’s post-concussion syndrome raised eyebrows. Rookie sensation Jasson Dominguez played through injuries and ultimately had to undergo surgery.

However, no changes are coming for the team’s training staff even after the injury bug biting the Yankees hard.

Cashman, Steinbrenner defends Yankees training staff

On Tuesday, Brian Cashman immediately pointed to injuries as an excuse. While two major setbacks during the previous season were unusual – Aaron Judge colliding with the wall at Dodger Stadium and Anthony Rizzo’s collision at first base – the team also experienced a significant number of more common injuries, following a sadly familiar pattern.

But both Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner stood by the Yankees’ training, as well as the strength and conditioning staff, under the supervision of Eric Cressey, the team’s director of health and player performance. They made it clear that no changes in personnel would be made.

In a recent statement, Steinbrenner mentioned that they have thoroughly examined the situation. Despite their efforts, no clear evidence of a significant issue has been identified. He expressed confidence in the training and strength/conditioning staff, emphasizing the Yankees’ comfort with their work.

Yankees captain Aaron Judge busted the bullpen door at Dodger Stadium while making a spectacular catch on June 3, 2023.

Cashman explained that injuries are an inherent part of the sport, attributing some of them to the unpredictable nature of competition. He highlighted instances like Judge’s competitive spirit leading to him giving his all to save a game. Regarding Eric Cressey’s hiring, he rejected the idea that it was a dereliction of duty. However, he acknowledged the ongoing effort to improve and reduce injuries.

The Yankees enlisted Cressey’s services in January 2020, following the 2019 season during which they established a then-Major League Baseball record with 30 players (accounting for 39 stints) placed on the injured list. Cashman had earlier suggested that Cressey’s influence might require a few years to be fully evident, but the Yankees found themselves grappling with injuries once again in the current season.

On Tuesday, Cashman emphasized that Cressey “oversees an excellent operation” and has prompted the Yankees to consider adjustments to certain programs. Steinbrenner chimed in, highlighting the respect that Judge and other players hold for the strength and conditioning staff.

But the truth is stinging Yankees

In 2023, the Yankees faced a considerable challenge with 28 players accumulating a total of 38 stints on the injured list, resulting in the loss of 1,882 games. Comparatively, the previous year saw 28 players collectively enduring 33 IL stints, with a game loss of 1,385 (including 18 from the COVID IL).

Spotrac’s data reveals that the Yankees ranked third in the league for the most days spent on the IL during the season, trailing only the Dodgers and Angels. Remarkably, their expenditure of $82 million on players on the IL surpassed all other teams, making it the highest total in the league.

Yankees starter Nestor Cortes yields a seventh-inning home run against the Orioles on May 24, 2024, at Yankee Stadium. — AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Cashman did acknowledge the limitation the Yankees face in controlling how players train during the season. He emphasized the acknowledgment that, especially in the current offseason landscape under the latest Basic Agreement, the team cannot compel players to follow the team’s winter training protocols. He cited the example of Nestor Cortes, who trained in Miami the previous offseason, clarifying that it’s not an accusation of wrongdoing and recognizing that injuries can occur irrespective of the training location.

The Yankees GM discussed Nestor Cortes’ situation, highlighting that the pitcher sustained an injury while preparing for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) the previous year, which resulted in him missing the start of the season. He emphasized that the team wasn’t overseeing Cortes during this time and pointed out the timing of the injury announcement, made when reporters arrived in Tampa for spring training.

Yankees' Luis Severino is seen in pain after getting injured in the 5th inning vs. the Brewers at Yankee Stadium on Sept 9, 2023. — AP Photo/Adam Hunger

The Yankees suffered from several soft-tissue injuries, notably affecting players with extensive injury histories such as Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, Carlos Rodon, and Luis Severino. Stanton, in particular, faced challenges with his mobility as he sought to prevent additional injuries to his legs upon returning from the injured list.

Cashman expressed the need to move past the current narrative by creating a new one. He emphasized the importance of bringing about a significantly improved situation, both in terms of health and roster quality, to alter the existing narrative, which he deemed inadequate.

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