The New York Yankees are coming off of an injury-plagued 2019. But they still managed to win 103 games and they would also win the American League East. So far 2020 has been an improvement for the Yankees when it comes to injuries. But they have had a few injuries to key players.
Aaron Judge
After an amazing start to the season, Aaron Judge has been sidelined with lower body tightness. This would be announced Wednesday before the Yankees game against the Atlanta Braves. Many people had questioned Aaron Boone’s decision to pinch-hit for Judge in the win on Tuesday. It is rumored that he got the injury playing on the turf field in Tampa against the Tampa Bay Rays this past weekend. Aaron Boone has not said yet if Judge will play this weekend against the Boston Red Sox.
Aaron Judge has been on fire all season. Judge has a .290 batting average with nine home runs and 20 RBIs. Aaron Judge has also scored 16 runs this season. He has been a dominant force for the Yankee offense and getting him back in the lineup will be vital for the rest of this season.
Giancarlo Stanton
After sliding into second base against the Rays on Saturday, Giancarlo Stanton instantly grabbed his leg in some obvious discomfort. Later on, he would be placed on the 10-day injured list. Stanton would be diagnosed with a grade-one strain. He will be out of action for at least three weeks. Giancarlo Stanton has dealt with many injuries with the Yankees and this would add to the list. Stanton has come into the season in the best shape of his life and it has been proven on the field.
Stanton is off to a good start for the Yankees with a .293 batting average. He has three home runs and also has 12 hits on the season. The injury hurts the Yankees but it has given Clint Frazier an opportunity to take over and they have not missed a beat.
Aroldis Chapman
Aroldis Chapman is currently preparing for his return to the Yankees at the alternate site in Scranton/Wilkes Barre. Chapman has officially recovered after testing positive for COVID-19. He recently threw a simulated game and is scheduled for one more on Friday. Pitching Coach Matt Blake has said that Friday will truly show if he is ready to come back to the Yankees. Zack Britton has filled in for Chapman and so far he has not disappointed.
Kyle Higashioka
A few days ago the Yankees would lose their backup catcher, Kyle Higashioka to an oblique strain. Higashioka has struggled this season with a .222 batting average. The Yankees would sign Erik Kratz to a major league contract to take over the backup catcher position.
Conclusions
The Yankees still sit on top of the American League East going into this weekend at 12-6. As of now if Aaron Judge’s health improves, we may see him return this weekend against the Red Sox. Friday’s simulated game will most likely determine whether or not Aroldis Chapman is ready to return. If all is well next week could be the return of the Yankees two biggest players with others still working through injuries.
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