The 2022 season will go down in the New York Yankees’ history as the most troublesome period for their roster. The Yankees injured list, which is the most expansive in the current Major League, has attracted more attention than its bench strength.
With over 15 top players on the Yankees injured list, the lineup is in disarray while a big part of the bullpen remains absent. Though most teams experience setbacks, but the Yankees of 2022 are especially injury-prone.
New York’s success is almost entirely dependent on its big-ticket pitchers and sluggers. But many of them are out following injuries. The Yankees are worried, as Giancarlo Stanton and Luis Severino are not on the active roster.
Aaron Boone’s lineup has gotten louder as the season winds down. In the final two games against the Rays, they hit six home runs for 20 runs. They will play two games in Boston while trying to maintain their winning streak.
The Yankees began rehabbing before Sunday’s rubber match against Tampa Bay. Harrison Bader, Miguel Castro, and Aroldis Chapman began rehab at Double-A Scranton. Zach Britton was sent to Triple-A RailRiders expecting a quick return.
Harrison Bader looks to get out of Yankees injured list
Centerfield was a pressing need for the Yankees. They needed to replace Aaron Hicks, their struggling outfielder. Bader, who is on the Yankees injured list, was acquired from the Cardinals and boasts a record of .256/.303/.370.
The Bronxville native will change the atmosphere in the center field. Bader’s approach to the game is unique. He’s the game’s best defensive center fielder, which would complement Judge on the outfield. Another option is Stanton. However, the California-born player hasn’t really got to a start for outfield since his return. But his performance depends on where he plays (as a right fielder in 2022: .258/.317/.531/DH: .189/.288/.422).
Bader’s hitting record isn’t spectacular. However, the player has an advantage – his compact stroke. He is capable of hitting 10-15 homers a season. He hit a career-high 16 homers in 2021. The 28-year-old has little time to establish himself in the majors before the postseason. Once off from the Yankees injured list, Bader is could help the team win a championship until his time in New York that runs through 2023.
Zach Britton is ready to adieu Yankees injured list
Zach Britton will make his season debut with Triple-A Scranton. The southpaw had Tommy John surgery in September and could return soon from the Yankees injured list. He allowed one earned run in 3.1 innings for Low-A Tampa.
The Yankees hope Britton can recapture his old form and adapt to the majors. In 2021, the 34-year-old had his highest ERA (5.89) with the Yankees. His BB/9 rate (6.87) and FIP nearly tripled. These abnormal numbers could be due to elbow issues in 2021 or his age. Obviously, Britton could disprove that if he’s useful.
The Yankees injured list once threatened to push them to a historical low this season. It allowed the Rays to rapidly reduce the AL East lead. But the team keeps fighting adversity and awaits their stars to return. The roster will soon face a crunch problem.
What are the reasons behind an expansive Yankees injured list this season? How can they prevent this next season?
