The Yankees might prefer ending spring training a week early, wrapping their players in bubble wrap, and waiting safely for Opening Day.
On Monday, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt left the Yankees’ exhibition game against the Blue Jays after just two at-bats and two-and-a-half innings due to back soreness he’s been experiencing over recent days.
Precautionary measure
Despite exiting early, Goldschmidt, 37, expressed “zero” concerns about his availability for Opening Day, which is just 10 days away. The decision to withdraw was described as precautionary.
“It wasn’t any worse today,” Goldschmidt said after the Yankees’ 6-5 loss at TD Ballpark. “It’s just one of those things where you don’t want it to get worse with a week or so left. Should be fine.”
The first two innings Monday were lengthy, meaning Goldschmidt spent significant time standing on the field—a factor Yankees manager Aaron Boone cited when explaining the decision to remove his veteran early.
“Nothing that I think is too big,” Boone assured.
Goldschmidt, already scheduled for rest on Tuesday following consecutive days of play, is expected to return Wednesday evening against the Braves.
Injury woes continue
Injuries have heavily impacted the Yankees this spring, particularly their pitching staff. Additionally, the Yankees will begin the season without Giancarlo Stanton, sidelined due to tennis elbow, and DJ LeMahieu, out with a calf strain.
Through 13 spring games, Goldschmidt has posted impressive numbers, hitting .313 (10-for-32) with a 1.077 OPS.
Goldschmidt reinforced that the cautious approach was intentional. “This was taking a few days, and it wasn’t really getting worse, but it’s obviously still something there,” he explained. “Is this really the time to push it? I think the answer’s no.”
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
