The 2023 season of the New York Yankees was marred by injury from the start to its culmination. However, as the team is looking to the upcoming season, their hopes seem to be getting boosted with many of the latest report on injured stars.
Yankees expect Dominguez’s return faster than thought
Addressing the Winter Meetings in Nashville this week, Aaron Boone refrained from explicitly stating that Jasson Dominguez would assume the role of the Yankees’ centerfielder upon regaining full health. However, he expressed confidence in Dominguez, affirming, “He is going to be an awesome player in this league.”
Boone further conveyed his admiration for Dominguez’s attributes, stating, “I love the makeup. I love the talent, and I’m excited about his future as a center fielder or as a left fielder potentially down the road in our yard, depending on what our roster makeup is.”
Dominguez is not expected to return from Tommy John surgery until at least the middle of the summer, but these remarks provide significant insights. The young player made a notable impact in 2023 when called up, showcasing immediate prowess by hitting four home runs in a mere 31 at-bats.
Rizzo will be fit to attend Yankees spring training
Regarding Anthony Rizzo, Aaron Boone mentioned that he was progressing well and would be expected to be in good shape for spring training. According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, Boone indicated that Rizzo was likely “game ready” toward the conclusion of the regular season.
Last season, the experienced former All-Star participated in only 99 games due to struggles with concussion-related problems. During this time, he achieved a batting average of .244, hitting 12 home runs and securing 41 RBIs, along with a .328 on-base percentage.
Nestor Cortes has a great offseason
Moving on to Nestor Cortes, Boone mentioned that the pitcher had recently commenced his offseason throwing program and is progressing positively.
During the previous season, Cortes achieved a record of 5-2 with a 4.97 ERA; however, he had limited appearances after May 30th due to shoulder problems. The Yankees entered the season counting on Cortes after he registered a 2.44 ERA in 2022. Instead, he succumbed to poor health and performance, like much of the rotation
This offseason has been kinder to Cortes, who recently got married and went on his honeymoon. He’s also been throwing without issue. Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake told the Daily News that Cortes had finished a throwing program in October. During that process, Cortes built his shoulder back up and got his velocity into the high-80s in bullpen sessions. Cortes then shut down for a bit, but he began ramping up again on Monday.
According to Blake, there was currently no reason to believe Cortes wouldn’t enter camp ready to go. “As of right now, he’s tracking on a healthy status for spring training,” Blake said, “so that’s encouraging.”
Cortes is currently part of a projected rotation that also features Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt. The Yankees’ starting depth is already suffering after they let Mike King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez, and Drew Thorpe go to San Deigo to land Juan Soto in the Bronx.
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After reading this, it reaffirms the absolute necessity to land Yamamoto. The current rotation will not land us in the 24 World Series.
Bad trade they should of never got Soto waste of money u could of got a pitcher instead
Positive progress reports. But the depletion of pitching depth will have a deep negative effect. Banking too much on signing Yamamoto. Maybe a strong effort signing Montgomery would be better leaving money to sign another starter