The New York Yankees are grappling with a series of injuries to key players, posing challenges to their performance in the coming weeks. Here are the latest injury updates from the team.
Giancarlo Stanton
Giancarlo Stanton is the latest to join the injured list after suffering a left hamstring strain while running the bases during a game against the Braves on June 22. Manager Aaron Boone has stated that Stanton will be out for at least 10 days. This marks his eighth IL stint in six years. An MRI was conducted on June 23, with results pending. This injury is similar to one from last year that sidelined Stanton for 43 games due to a left hamstring strain in April.
Jasson Dominguez shock to Yankees
Top prospect Jasson Domínguez, ranked No. 30 in MLB Pipeline and No. 1 among the Yankees’ prospects, is facing a major setback. The 21-year-old outfielder experienced discomfort near his left oblique during a checked swing in a Triple-A game on June 15. Tests revealed a severe strain, and Boone has projected an eight-week absence, pushing his potential return to September. This is a significant blow to the Yankees’ future plans and any potential late-season call-ups.
Ian Hamilton
Reliever Ian Hamilton was placed on the 15-day IL on June 18 due to a mid-grade right lat strain. The Yankees’ medical team recommends a three to four-week hiatus from throwing, targeting his return for the second half of the season. Hamilton had previously experienced a milder version of this injury earlier in the season, and a recurrence during his outing against the Red Sox at Fenway Park on June 16 necessitated this IL stint. He allowed two runs in just one-third of an inning before being pulled from the game.
Cody Poteet
Right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet joined the IL on June 18 with a low-grade right triceps strain. The 29-year-old, who has impressed with a 3-0 record and 2.14 ERA in four starts this season, will be unable to throw for one to two weeks. Poteet has been a pleasant surprise for the Yankees, striking out 13 batters in limited action. His return is anticipated in July, depending on his recovery progress.
These injuries present a significant hurdle for the Yankees as they navigate the mid-season period. The absence of Stanton’s power, Hamilton’s reliable relief pitching, and Poteet’s effective starts will force the team to rely heavily on their depth and could influence their trade deadline strategies.
Additionally, Domínguez’s setback, while not immediately impacting the major league roster, affects the Yankees’ long-term planning and any potential late-season reinforcements from their farm system.
As the team awaits the return of these key players, they will need to adapt their strategies and seek temporary solutions to fill the gaps. The coming weeks will be crucial for the Yankees as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the tough American League East division.
Nick Burdi
Right-handed pitcher Nick Burdi was placed on the 60-day injured list on June 23 due to right hip inflammation. Manager Aaron Boone revealed that Burdi recently underwent a PRP injection to address this recurring issue, which had previously led to an IL stint earlier in the season. His return date remains uncertain.
Scott Effross
Scott Effross, another right-hander, has taken a significant step in his recovery by starting a Minor League rehab assignment with Single-A Tampa on June 19. Effross is working his way back from Tommy John surgery performed in October 2022 and back surgery in December 2023 to alleviate discomfort in his L-4 and L-5 vertebrae. Boone expressed optimism about Effross’s progress, noting the pitcher’s positive momentum in recent weeks.
JT Brubaker
JT Brubaker, acquired from the Pirates in March, also began a Minor League rehab assignment with Single-A Tampa on June 19. Brubaker, who underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2023, is aiming for a return around the All-Star break. The Yankees are hopeful that he will make valuable contributions in the season’s second half.
Jon Berti
Infielder Jon Berti, out with a left calf strain since May 24, has shown steady improvement, according to Boone. Transferred to the 60-day IL on June 12, Berti’s recovery timeline is estimated at six to eight weeks. After receiving a PRP injection on May 28, he is expected to start a rehab assignment in the coming weeks, potentially returning to the lineup in late July.
These injuries continue to pose challenges for the Yankees, impacting their pitching depth and infield options. The team’s medical staff and management are closely monitoring each player’s progress, adjusting timelines and expectations as needed. The successful return of these players could significantly bolster the Yankees’ roster and performance as the season progresses.
Anthony Rizzo
The New York Yankees are grappling with a major setback as first baseman Anthony Rizzo has been sidelined with a right forearm fracture. The injury occurred during a collision at first base in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on June 16.
Rizzo is expected to be out for around eight weeks, targeting a return in mid-August. The Yankees’ medical team has recommended that he avoid baseball activities for four to five weeks. On June 19, Rizzo was moved to the 60-day injured list to accommodate Gerrit Cole’s 2024 debut.
The injury happened when Rizzo collided with Red Sox pitcher Brennan Bernardino while running through first base. Initially thought to be a wrist injury, further imaging revealed a fracture in his upper forearm near the elbow.
As of June 18, Rizzo continued to experience swelling and pain in his elbow. His treatment plan currently includes elbow straightening and range-of-motion exercises. Should Rizzo stick to the projected recovery timeline, he could resume baseball activities shortly after the All-Star break, with a possible return to the Yankees’ lineup in mid-August.
The New York Yankees are contending with the prolonged absences of two key players due to significant injuries.
Clarke Schmidt
Clarke Schmidt, a right-handed pitcher, has been placed on the 60-day injured list as of June 18 due to a right lat strain. Schmidt had an MRI on May 29 following difficulties recovering from his May 26 start against the San Diego Padres. He was examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on May 30.
Manager Aaron Boone stated that Schmidt will be unable to throw for four to six weeks and will then need an extended period to rebuild his stamina. Schmidt remains hopeful about possibly resuming throwing in three weeks, though he acknowledges this timeline is tentative.
Schmidt, who had felt strong throughout the season, noted the injury’s sudden onset. He first experienced discomfort during a pre-game bullpen session but initially thought it would pass. He was initially placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 27.
Everson Pereira
In another setback, outfielder Everson Pereira, ranked fifth among the Yankees’ top prospects, underwent Tommy John surgery with an internal brace in early June. Boone disclosed this on June 14, noting Pereira had been playing through the injury at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, with his last appearance on May 14.
Despite the surgery, Boone is optimistic about Pereira’s full recovery, likening it to Jasson Domínguez’s situation. Boone believes the injury will not have a lasting impact on Pereira’s career, but he is not expected to return until 2025.
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