It’s been a rough month of July for the New York Yankees, not only going 4-8 so far, but also missing several key players due to injuries.
The most notable name missing from the lineup card is Giancarlo Stanton. After putting up a solid first-half performance, the 34-year-old slugger was placed on the injured list on June 23 with a hamstring strain. Since then, the Yankees’ record is an abysmal 6-12.
Are Things Back on Track?
However, things may be turning around for the Bronx Bombers. Despite a devastating loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, the Yankees won their first series since beating the Kansas City Royals in mid-June. But regardless, it’s clear that the lineup is missing Stanton’s huge presence.
GIANCARLO STANTON THREE-RUN SHOT TO DEAD CENTER AND THE YANKEES ARE BACK IN THIS pic.twitter.com/itL04qJJl6
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) June 20, 2024
It’s great news for New York that Stanton’s return to the field may be closer than initially thought. Last Tuesday, manager Aaron Boone gave an update on Stanton’s progress, noting that “Big G” will likely be getting ready to play after the All-Star break. Boone did not clarify whether or not the team intends to send the slugger on a rehab assignment.
Either way, Stanton’s bat has been sorely missed, and the team and fans alike are very eager to see their DH return to the field.
Yankees Injuries Piling Up
Though Stanton may be the biggest name on the list, there are multiple Yankees with injuries whose statuses are still unknown. This includes Jose Trevino, who was placed on the 10-day IL with a quad strain on Saturday. The 31-year-old catcher has been serviceable sharing catching duties with Austin Wells.
Called up to be his replacement is 25-year-old Carlos Narváez. The switch hitter has posted a .269/.386/.443 slash line with nine homers in Triple-A this season. So far, there is no timetable for Trevino.
Anthony Rizzo is also out for the foreseeable future. After fracturing his forearm against the Boston Red Sox on June 16, the Yankees called up rookie Ben Rice, who has mightily impressed with his bat. If Rice keeps raking, there may be no room in the lineup for Rizzo even when he’s healthy.
Relief for the Bullpen
Not only has the lineup taken some hits, but the pitching staff is lacking quite a few players as well. Two Yankee relievers are currently in the latter stages of recovery from Tommy John surgery, Scott Effross and Lou Trivino. Both missed all of 2023 and could return soon. Effross has been on a rehab assignment since last month, while Trivino has begun to throw from the mound.
More recently injured relievers, Ian Hamilton and Nick Burdi, are also making progress. Both have begun throwing programs, though neither is likely to see the field until late August or September. Hamilton has been on the IL since June 17, and Burdi suffered a rehab setback in June that forced him onto the 60-day IL.
The Yankees will certainly benefit from all these players returning. If Stanton and Trevino are able to return quickly after the All-Star break, things may just turn around for New York.
Photo Credit: © Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
