New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided updates on several key players’ injuries Friday, addressing concerns ahead of their series against the Atlanta Braves.
Yankees’ Torres day-to-day
Gleyber Torres, who exited Thursday’s game early due to right groin tightness, underwent an MRI that revealed no significant issues. Boone described Torres as day-to-day and expressed optimism about his potential return to the lineup over the weekend. Despite this, Torres was available as a pinch hitter during Friday’s 8-1 loss to the Braves, where Oswaldo Cabrera filled in at second base and DJ LeMahieu covered third base, albeit Cabrera struggled at the plate, going hitless in three at-bats with two strikeouts.
Verdugo deals with a slight injury
Meanwhile, outfielder Alex Verdugo was absent from the starting lineup due to a slight injury sustained while making a spectacular catch against the center-field wall on Wednesday. Boone noted that facing left-handed pitcher Chris Sale made the decision to rest Verdugo more straightforward. Jahmai Jones took Verdugo’s place in left field, contributing a triple and scoring the Yankees’ lone run but also committing a fielding error.
Bert on track
Infielder Jon Berti, on the 60-day injured list with a left calf strain since June 12, is making progress. Boone indicated that Berti might start a rehabilitation assignment in a few weeks, with an anticipated return slated for late July. Berti’s injury initially occurred on May 24, and he underwent a PRP injection on May 28, with a recovery timeline estimated between six to eight weeks.
Dominguez needs 8-weeks rest
Boone provided updates on several injured players Friday, including top prospect Jasson Domínguez and pitchers Ian Hamilton and Cody Poteet, detailing their recovery timelines and impacts on the team’s season.
Boone announced that Domínguez, placed on the 7-day minor league injured list due to a left oblique strain, faces an extended absence of approximately eight weeks. The injury occurred during a check swing last Saturday, pushing his expected return to late August, and affecting the Yankees’ developmental plans for the highly touted prospect.
Regarding reliever Ian Hamilton, sidelined since June 18 with a mid-grade lat strain, Boone revealed a cautious approach with a three to four-week prohibition from throwing. Hamilton’s return to the bullpen is anticipated in the second half of the season, coinciding with a resumption of his throwing program around the All-Star break.
Similarly, Cody Poteet, dealing with a low-grade triceps strain since June 18, faces a shorter absence of one to two weeks without throwing activities. Poteet, 29, has impressed this season with a 3-0 record, boasting a 2.14 ERA and 13 strikeouts in four starts.
These injuries present significant challenges for the Yankees, particularly in their pitching rotation, as they navigate the middle stages of the season. Dominguez’s extended recovery timeline also impacts the team’s strategic plans for his development as a key prospect in their organization.
Effross and Brubaker’s rehab
Boone also provided encouraging updates on pitchers Scott Effross and JT Brubaker, detailing their progress as they embark on minor league assignments with Single-A Tampa.
Effross, recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in October 2022, made a promising season debut on June 19 by pitching a scoreless inning. Boone highlighted Effross’s recent momentum, noting successful live batting practice sessions and steady recovery from bullpen activities at the team’s Tampa complex. Effross faced setbacks last year due to back discomfort, eventually undergoing a microdiscectomy of his L-4 and L-5 vertebrae in December.
Meanwhile, JT Brubaker, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 29, also began his rehabilitation assignment on June 19 with a strong outing of three scoreless innings. Brubaker is nearing the final stages of recovery from Tommy John surgery, initially performed on April 12, 2023. The Yankees are eyeing the All-Star break for Brubaker’s potential return to the majors, expressing optimism about his role in the team’s bullpen and rotation options for the second half of the season.
These developments signal positive strides for the Yankees’ pitching staff, bolstering their depth as they approach the latter part of the season. Effross and Brubaker’s progress will be closely monitored as they continue their rehabilitation journeys toward reclaiming spots on the major league roster.
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I wonder with the back to back years of significant injuries for Dominguez, if it influences the Yankees more to deal him figuring this guy is not built to last for full season.