Gio Urshela

Yankees’ infielder suffers another injury: MRI to come on Thursday

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New York Yankees, Gio Urshela

The 2021 campaign has been rough for New York Yankees’ third baseman Gio Urshela at times. He has been out with several ailments that have severely cut his playing time this season, most notably a stint on the COVID-19 list, a hamstring issue, and now this: a wrist injury.

The Yankees’ infielder had just returned from his hamstring injury this week, only to get hurt again during Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels.

According to NJ Advance Media, the third baseman fell down on his wrist trying to make the tag at second base and then throw home. He was “pretty sore,” per manager Aaron Boone.

The Yankees will have their infielder undergo an MRI on Thursday when the team returns to New York to determine the extent of the injury. The team’s next game is on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles.

The Yankees could have him back on Friday

According to Boone, the expectation is to have Urshela back in the lineup on Friday, but the MRI will give the club all the answers it may need before making that decision. The Yankees are also expecting shortstop Gleyber Torres to come off the injured list on Friday against the O’s.

Seeing the play, Urshela appeared to injure his right hand, but Boone didn’t provide specifics about which hand did he hurt.

Urshela, who had a .881 OPS between 2019 and 2020, has a .722 mark in 331 at-bats in what has been an underwhelming 2021 season for him. Injuries have certainly not helped him establish a rhythm at the plate, where he has a .263 average with 11 homers, and 41 RBI.

Rougned Odor has been serving as the Yankees’ third baseman most nights during Urshela’s absence, and while he hasn’t displayed the kind of defensive prowess he usually shows at second, the team does not have too many options to plug there if Urshela is not in the lineup.

New York Yankees bats fall silent, takeaways from 2nd loss

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The New York Yankees went into last night’s game with the Athletics with the hope of taking the series and righting the ship after a loss in the Saturday matinee. But, unfortunately, it was not to be had as the Yankees lost their second game in a row. The final score was the Athletics 3 and the Yankees 1.

Yankee bats are nowhere to be found

Last night it seemed that the Yankees brought out a lineup that was losing games before the All-Star break. It looked all too familiar. Few hits, no home runs, errors committed, and bats that were so silent you could hear a pin drop if it wasn’t for the loud Athletics crowd at the Coliseum.

That being said, you have to give credit to Paul Blackburn for the A’s. He pitched masterfully, holding down the Yankee hitters, inducing ground out after ground out. It wasn’t until the sixth inning that the Yankees could get a man past first base. The Yankees when 0-4 with men in scoring position.

In the game, Gio Urshela, who had only committed 5 errors all season, had 2 last night in his fourth game returning from the IL.

Yankee hitters fail Montgomery again

If there were a poster boy for the pitcher with the worst luck, his name would be Jordan Montgomery. Last ninth was a microcosm of his entire season.  Jordan Montgomery pitched six innings of one-run ball that should qualify him for a win, but the Yankee hitters could only muster up one hit for him, and it was a single.

Montgomery who is 5-5 with a respectable 3.52 ERA. His stats should be much better. The New York Yankees have won 15 of his starts, although he has only 5 wins. Of all Yankee pitchers, he has gotten the least run support during his outings.

Last night the Yankee’s closer situation was again evident. Chad Green was charged with the job, and he failed, giving up a two-run homer to pinch hitter Kemp, causing the Yankee loss.

Yankees lose ground against the Rays

In the Yankee’s second loss in as many days, It seemed last night that they fell back into their old ways. Not hitting, leaving men in scoring position, and committing errors. Normally losing a game, although not good, it’s no big deal. But two in a row, when the Yankees are fighting the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East, is a huge deal.

I’ve been saying for weeks that the New York Yankees can take the East, but the Tampa Bay Rays had to cooperate in that effort. But, unfortunately, they are not doing that, winning two games while the Yankees lost two. To begin the weekend that Yankees had won 13 consecutive games gaining on the Rays and shrinking to just four behind in the East. But not that has vanished, and the Yankees are back to six games out.

With September just days away, the Yankees only have 31 games to gain 6 on the Rays. Both teams have similar schedules for September, with neither having much of an advantage. The Yankees have some fluff teams, but they also face the Toronto Blue Jays seven times. The Rays face the Blue Jays six times and the Astros for three games. If the Yankees can continue to win at a good clip, the entire season my come down to the last three games with the Rays at Yankee Stadium.

Yankees News, 8/27: Gio Urshela makes an impact, Gleyber Torres’s return spells trouble for one Yankee

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New York Yankees, Gleyber Torres

The New York Yankees are on an absolute tear, winning 12 games in a row, with their latest coming against the Oakland Athletics on Thursday evening. Early in the game, skipper Aaron Boone was ejected for poor calls made by the umpire, but the Bombers executed revenge in that very same inning, plastering Oakland starter for six runs. The MVP of the day was lefty slugger Joey Gallo, who launched a 3-run blast and earned a walk on the evening.

Altogether, the combination of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gallo drove in five runs and secured four hits and two homers. Even reserve outfielder Brett Gardner got in on the action, launching a homer in the second inning to complement Stanton’s behemoth blast.

However, the Yankees also enjoyed the return of the starting third baseman Gio Urshela, who went 1-for-4 on the evening with a single to center in the fourth to get on base. His defense, however, was phenomenal as always, proving his value to the team. After fighting his way back from a hamstring injury, Urshela’s presence in the lineup and the infield presents tremendous added comfort for the Bombers, who didn’t need him to embark on 11 game win streak before their victory on Thursday.

The Yankees are preparing to return one more infielder, Gleyber Torres, who is working his way back from a sprained thumb he suffered a few weeks ago.

Torres, who represents the starting shortstop for the team has been supplemented by Andrew Velazquez, presenting a small conundrum for Boone to unravel. Velazquez is hitting .250 with three stolen bases and a .267 on-base percentage. His fantastic defensive abilities and speed on the base paths have made him a valuable player during this winning streak.

The Bronx native has firmly cemented himself in the infield, but the return of Torres should send him down to a reserve spot, potentially even back to the minor-league system.

Based on how well the Yankees are playing right now, Boone shouldn’t make too many drastic changes, especially since Velazquez has been playing phenomenal baseball. His defensive efficiency has covered up a lot of holes that Torres left behind, and simply giving him back the job could be a bit premature.

Yankees receive great Gio Urshela injury news, Aroldis Chapman must be stopped

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New York Yankees, Gio Urshela

The New York Yankees secure their 11th straight win on Tuesday evening, overcoming a red-hot Atlanta Braves team who just saw their nine-game winning streak snapped on Monday by the Bombers. In the contest, Andrew Heaney took the mound, lasting 4.0 innings, giving up three hits and two earned runs. The bullpen performed well, giving up two runs over five innings and recording five strikeouts.

However, it was the timely hitting of Gary Sanchez and DJ LeMahieu that pushed the Yankees over the edge. However, closer Aroldis Chapman did his best to blow another save, giving up two hits and a run in the ninth inning before skipper Aaron Boone turned to Wandy Peralta to finish off the contest. Peralta, with the bases loaded, drew a fly ball to left-field, which was caught by Joey Gallo.

Another tight squeeze for the Bombers, who extracted yet another victory. Unfortunately, both the Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays won on Tuesday as well. Currently, in the AL East standings, the Yankees are 4.0 games behind Tampa and now have a 2.5 game cushion in the Wild Card over Boston.

The Yankees finished off the two-game series against the Braves with a sweep and now look forward to the Oakland Athletics in a four-game series on the West Coast. After Oakland, the Yankees will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Angels before returning home against Baltimore.

Seemingly, this race for the AL East could come down to the final series of the season, which comes against Tampa Bay. This could end up being a playoff-like atmosphere at Yankee Stadium.

Nonetheless, the team is expecting starting third baseman Gio Urshela to return after successfully getting through several rehabilitation games with Double-A Somerset.

Urshela will return to the team on Wednesday, as the Yankees have off before they take on Oakland starting Thursday. In his absence, the Yankees have depended on a rotation of players at third base, including Rougned Odor and Tyler Wade. Returning Gio will offer the team one of the most consistent hitters and arguably one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball.

Yankees News: Clint Frazier likely done for the year, positive Gio Urshela injury news

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nyy, yankees, clint frazier

Earning their 10th consecutive win, the New York Yankees overcame a strong Atlanta Braves team on Monday evening by a score of 5-1. The Braves were also on a nine game winning streak, so this battle represented the continuing of positive momentum or potential downfall.

However, the Yankees emerged victorious.

Starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery lasted 5.0 innings, giving up just two hits and one earned run. Hosting a 3.69 ERA on the season, Montgomery recorded 75 pitches with 41 strikes. When the Yankees needed him most, Montgomery delivered, and the bullpen was equally as impressive, allowing three hits and no runs. Jonathan Loaisiga posted four strikeouts over two innings, lowering his ERA to 2.30 on the season.

Offensively, the Bombers recorded six hits, but struck out 13 times. Thanks to Giancarlo Stanton, who recorded a home run in the second inning and a two-run double in the sixth inning, the Yankees did just enough to secure victory. Only Aaron Judge, Stanton, Gary Sanchez, and Andrew Velazquez recorded hits on the evening, but Atlanta didn’t do much better, recording five hits.

The Yankees have managed to supplement injuries over the past few weeks, especially with starter Clint Frazier dealing with migraines and loss of vision this season.

Frazier was placed on the ten-day injured list on July 2 and transferred to the 60 day injured list on August 16. He is eligible to be activated on August 30, but there’s a possibility he could be done for the season. Frazier pulled himself from rehabilitation start in Double-A ball about nine days ago, and hasn’t continued his assignment.

Since leaving the Yankees on June 30, Clint has played just three games at the minor-league level and is still undergoing tests to diagnose dizziness. This could be dating back to a concussion he suffered several years ago.

In more positive news, starting third baseman Gio Urshela could return to the team this week against Oakland. The Yankees have one more game against Atlanta on Tuesday evening before traveling to the West Coast to take on the A’s.

Skipper Aaron Boone stated that Urshela could be available this week, as he posted three hits on four at-bats with Somerset on Sunday. He will play one more rehab game before being activated, and hopefully his left hamstring injury remains strong.

New York Yankees: All the latest Yankee news in one place

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New York Yankees, Luis Severino

Yankees to start 10-day road trip

The New York Yankees start a 10-day road trip today after going 9-1 in their last ten games. They have won series after series and are most recently off a series win over the Minnesota Twins. The Yankees are the winningest team in baseball after going 26-8 since July 17th.

This will be a tough road trip for the Yankees; first, they face two excellent pitchers for the Atlanta Braves during a short two-game series. Tonight Jordan Montgomery starts against Huascar Ynoa. Tuesday night’s game will pit Andrew Heaney against Yankee killer Charlie Morton. After the Braves series, they will play three games with the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels before returning to Yankee Stadium and a series with the Baltimore Orioles.

Luis Severino to get checked out again

Luis Severino’s long-awaited return to the Yankees may have to be put on hold again as pitching this season seems less and less likely. Manager Boone has let be known that Luis Severino will reportedly fly across the country to California this week to get an in-person examination from Dr. Neal ElAttrache who is an Orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at Cedar Sinai Hospital. He is also Team Physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers. For Severino, this will be a second opinion.

Severino has been out from the Yankees since his Tommy John surgery at the beginning of 2019, not allow him to play at all in 2019 and 2020. Since then, he has been struggling to get back with the Yankees. GM Brian Cashman recently said he expected Severino back with the team by September 1st. But that went down the drain when he strained his groin in a rehab assignment in June. Then, last week he pulled himself from a rehab game due to shoulder tightness. He had an MRI that showed no structural damage, but whether he pitches again this season might be evident after this in-person check out at Cedar Sinai and a clean bill of health.

Anthony Volpe showing off

We all know that Yankee prospect Luis Gil has been showing off for the Yankees in his first few games pitched as a starter. But Gil is not the only Yankee prospect that is shining this season. Anthony Volpe that grew up idolizing shortstop Derek Jeter is making a name for himself with the Hudson Valley Renegades; he has an OPS of over 1.000 to go along with 20 homers and 28 steals in the minors this year. That puts himself right up there with Jasson Dominguez as the Yankees’ number one prospect. Some of his success is due to his work during the 2020 season when there were no minor league games.

Rays Injury news good news for the Yankees

In baseball, you never want to see anyone on any team injured, but that fact remains a deterrent to one team and benefits another. The Rays have reported Right-hander Chris Archer lasted just two innings Sunday in his return from the IL. Archer left the game with hip soreness. He will be checked out by doctors as the Rays are concerned he may have more hip trouble. Although the Rays are in first place they have had pitching concerns ever since ace Tyler Glasnow need Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire season.

On top of that, Yankee killer Ji-Man Choi left Sunday’s game with left hamstring tightness. According to Ray’s manager Kevin Cash when he hit a double and getting to second base, it grabbed him and continued to tighten up. Choi was hitting .250 this season with nine home runs in 64 games. Add to that the recently obtained Nelson Cruz has landed on the Covid-19 list. These are critical problems for the Rays as they try to protect their 4.5 game lead ahead of the Yankees.

Yankees latest injury updates

A pitch hit Gardner’s right elbow and forced him out of the game in the Yankees’ 10-2 win over the Twins on Friday night. On Saturday, he was still out of the lineup. Manager Boone has said that he doesn’t feel it’s too serious and will not be put on the IL. Instead, he will travel with the team on their road trip and likely see action on the west coast.

The Yankees star player Gio Urshela is advancing in his rehab. Yesterday with the Somerset Patriots, he went 3 for 4 with a double and scoring a run. He looked good in rehab from a hamstring injury. A date for his return to the team has not been announced.

Gleyber Torres is advancing in his rehab from an injured thumb caused by a bad slide into second base. On Friday, he took dry swings and did some infield work. No timeline has been given for his return either.

Yankees wild card stock is rising

The New York Yankees have won 9 games in a row and their tenth series in a row, being the best performing team in baseball. They have gone from nearly 10 games behind in the AL East to just 4.5 games behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays. From July 17th to the present, they have a 26-8 record. During the span, the Yankees have gone from 3 1/2 out of the second wild-card slot to 2.5 games ahead of the Red Sox for the first wild card spot.

Donaldson making an ass out of himself

The New York Post reports that New York Porch Sport, the Donaldson, has blasted the New York Yankees and ace Gerrit Cole. Apparently, he was embarrassed by his play against Cole in the Minnesota Twins series. Earlier in the year, he accused Cole of using sticky stuff. Now he made this statement:

“Yeah of course he’s still using that stuff,” Donaldson said of Cole. “I know my capabilities. The only way to make me look so feeble at the plate is to have a bit of extracurricular help. I’m sending my findings to Manfred soon.”

More playing time has paid off for Tyler Wade

Tyler Wade has always been a useful utility player for the Yankees for the past few years. But with injuries to both Gio Urshela and Gleyber Torres, Wade has finally played enough game to show what he is worth to the Yankees. And that is just not his excellent defense in the field, but now playing more games, he has shown that he can hit also. He has raised his batting average from below .200 to .278. He has 15 hits and 4 extra-base hits during August. Saturday against the Twins, Wade started in left field, giving a day of rest to Joey Gallo. He went 2 for 4, one a double, and one RBI. Wade has been one of the best Yankee hitters in this month, going .500 since August 3rd.

Yankees News: Gio Urshela, Gleyber Torres injury updates not good, bullpen falls apart in win

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New York Yankees, Gleyber Torres

The New York Yankees currently have 15 players on the injured list, with starting infielders Gio Urshela and Gleyber Torres joining them this week. With the majority of their ailing players being pitchers, losing position players is never an ideal reality.

Both Urshela and Torres could miss upwards of a week, as Gio is nursing a hamstring injury, and Gleyber picked up a thumb strain sliding into second-base over the weekend.

Unfortunately, the Yankees’ starting third baseman suffered a setback, which will force him to wait another week at least until a potential return.

“He felt a little something toward the end of his groundballs. He’s back in New York. I don’t anticipate him being with us this week,” Boone said.

“I don’t think it’s that serious,” Boone said. “But he was in line to probably join us and be back in the lineup on Wednesday. That’s not going to happen now. I don’t know how he’s doing today yet. I don’t know how his day went today. So whether that pushes it back later in the week or later next week, I don’t have a timeline on that yet. But i don’t think it’s back where he started.”

Clearly, the team is being extra careful with Gio, as they’ve injected Tyler Wade and Rougden Odor at the hot-corner to supplement his loss.
As for Torres, the team doesn’t expect him back for at least another 10-20 days, which Boone regarded as a positive development.

“He’s feeling better,’’ Boone said. “We were kind of expecting the worst and probably got some pretty good news.”

Losing two starting infielders who play significant offensive roles is never ideal, but the Yankees have luckily managed to squeak out wins in the meantime. A series against the Kansas City Royals certainly gives them a bit of cushion.

However, Kansas City gave New York a run for their money on Monday evening, carrying the game to 11 innings with four lead changes. The bullpen struggled to maintain leads during the bottom portion of the game, giving up five runs after Jameson Taillon blanked the Royals over 6.0 innings.

The Yankees’ bullpen has been solid this year, so an anomaly every now and then is understandable. At the end of the day, walking out with a win is all that matters.

Yankees News: Gio Urshela injury, Gerrit Cole has COVID, young starter called up to bigs

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New York Yankees, Gio Urshela

Monday was littered with bad news for the New York Yankees as they fell to the lowly Baltimore Orioles 7-1 at home. With new acquisition Andrew Heaney on the mound, the Bombers allowed four runs in 4.0 innings, as he elevated his ERA to 5.42. The bullpen didn’t fare much better, allowing three runs the rest of the way, but the Yankees offense was simply nonexistent.

The lineup tallied just three hits on the evening, and while they made solid contact, striking out just five times, they couldn’t take advantage of Jorge Lopez, who has a 5.91 ERA on the season and allowed just one hit over 6.0 innings.

Nonetheless, more disappointing news came after the game regarding an injury to starting third baseman Gio Urshela and ace Gerrit Cole being put on the COVID-19 list.

Your Yankees news roundup:

Gio Urshela:

Urshela underwent an MRI, which showed a middle-grade strain on his hamstring, which could see him back in a couple of days. Skipper Aaron Boone was more optimistic than pessimistic regarding his situation.

“He’s actually doing pretty well, so we can back-date it a couple of days [to Sunday],” Boone said. “He’ll continue to ramp up here in the next couple of days and hopefully it will be just another week or eight days or so.”

Gerrit Cole:

The Yankees’ constant COVID-19 issues continue to bubble to the surface, as Cole tested positive prior to making his start on Tuesday, which will keep him out for at least a few days. Luckily, he’s the only player to return a positive test, so the rest of the team should be safe for now.

Over 21 starts this year, Cole has a 3.11 ERA, winning 10 games. Coming off a 14-0 beating against Tampa Bay last week, he was looking to bounce back against Baltimore, but that will have to wait.

Luis Gil:

Via Gil’s Instagram, the young starting pitcher will make his major league debut this week. With Cole out, Gil could earn himself a start, currently hosting a 5.64 ERA over eight games in Triple-A. He features a 25.7% ground ball rate and 11.27 strikeouts per nine, giving up six homers and 22 hits over 30.1 innings this season, per Fangraphs. Gil has never made an appearance at the MLB level, so he will be looking to leave a positive impact. Baltimore represents the perfect team to take on.

New York Yankees: Injury updates on all 18 Yankee players

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Although not as bad as in 2019, the New York Yankees have certainly had their share of injuries this season. Those injuries were further exacerbated by six Yankees going on the Covid list. But it’s time for Yankees fans to sit back and relax; relief is on the way. Here are up-to-date injury updates on all the Yankee players.

Luis Severino (elbow)

One of the most important injuries the Yankee fans have been watching for is the return of Luis Severino from his Tommy John surgery. Severino was 33-14 between 2017 and 2018 before the surgery in 2019. The good news is that his return will be coming sooner than later. Aaron Boone reported that Sevi pitched a simulated two innings with 38 pitches yesterday at Fenway Park.  Next week he may start a rehab game in Somerset.  Projected return late August.

Corey Kluber (shoulder)

Another starter being closely watched is Corey Kluber. Kluber finally found his form with a no-hitter complete game on May 19th before leaving his May 25th game with shoulder tightness. Kluber never stopped throwing. Brian Hock of MLB.com reports that Kluber threw 20 pitches off the mound at Fenway on Friday as he draws closer to an early September return.

Michael King (finger)

Starter/reliever Michael King who was the primary fill-in for Corey Kluber, injured his finger when he jammed it between weights in the weight room. He hasn’t pitched since July 3rd against the Mets. Aaron Boone says his return is still a bit away. CBS Sports reports that he may start to throw this week. Nevertheless, he will need time to ramp back up. Projected return mid to late August.

Clarke Schmidt (elbow)

Clarke Schmidt has been out all of the season with an elbow injury. He hasn’t pitched since September 27, 2020. He suffered a flexor tendon strain. Although a common injury rehab can be long, and it has been. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that Schmidt would take part in a rehab game next Wednesday. Schmidt could return to the big team before the end of the season.

T.J.Sikkema (lat injury)

Sikkema is a minor league starting pitcher that has not pitched this season due to a lat injury suffered in spring training. Little information is available on his progress, But if and when he returns, it will probably be for the Renegades. He is presently on the 60 day.

Darren O’Day (hamstring)

The sidearm reliever Darren O’Day was put on the 60 day IL a week ago on Friday. After a setback, O’Day is likely out for the season. After missing the start of the season with a shoulder issue, it now appears that he will only have 10 appearances for the Yankees this season.

Wandy Peralta (Covid)

Wandy Peralta was one of the first Yankees to go on the Covid list. He could be back in the bullpen next week.

Luke Voit (knee)

First baseman Luke Voit has been the bad luck kid this season. Voit missed the start of the season. He returned to the team on May 15, but after 10 days, he was back on the IL. He returned on June 22nd. But his last game would be on July 11th after suffering a bruised knee that impeded his running. Aaron Boone has reported that he is doing significantly better and may return to the team during the first week of August.

Aaron Hicks (wrist)

Centerfielder Aaron Hicks underwent wrist surgery and likely will not return this season.

Clint Frazier (vision)

Frazier has had a strange vision problem that was first described as dizziness. As a result, he hasn’t played at all during July. He has visited an eye specialist, but a clear diagnosis has been elusive. As a result, he is not taking part in any baseball activities. He has not been cleared to start playing again, per Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger. Return unknown.

Miguel Andujar (wrist)

Outfielder Miguel Andujar injured his wrist. The last game he played in was on July 6th. However, a recent setback in his rehab will cause him to be out longer than expected. Brian Hock of MLB.com reports that he will get another cortisone shot. With rehab still in progress, there is no projected return.

Gio Ushela (Covid)

Gio Ushela is back with the club in Boston. He is scheduled to be activated today and may be in today’s lineup after returning from the Covid list.

Aaron Judge (Covid)

Aaron Judge is another Yankee player that was put on the Covid list. However, Aaron Boone said on Thursday that Aaron Judge could rejoin the team this weekend and could be cleared to play early next week in the Rays series.

Kyle Higasioka (Covid)

Backup catcher Kyel Higasioka has been on the Covid list. Gary Sanchez came down with back spasms leaving only Rob Brantly, only Yankees catcher. If he were injured yesterday, that would make Roughie Odor the only real option. Luckily “Higgy” is expected to be back with the team for the Tampa Bay Rays series.

Gary Sanchez (back)

Gary Sanchez left the first game of the Boston Red Sox series with back spasms. With Higashioka on the Covid list, it left Rob Brantly as the only Yankee catcher. He is listed as day-to-day. So fans will have to wait for today’s lineup to see if he returns to the backstop.

Tim Locastro (Knee)

Tim Locastro was brought up because of a shortage of outfielders. Unfortunately, he injured his knee. The Associated Press has reported that he will undergo knee surgery next week, likely ending his season.

Trey Amburgey (Hamstring)

Amburgey was another player brought up to shore up the outfield. Unfortunately, he pulled a hamstring in his second game last Tuesday. He is on the ten-day; however, they could heal quickly with hamstring injuries or keep a player out for an extended time.

Chris Gittens (ankle)

First baseman Chris Gittens was taken out of the game yesterday when he collapsed running to first base. He is listed as day-to-day and will undergo an MRI today to see how serious the injury is.

Reliever/Stater Nestor Cortes Jr. and Jonathan Loaisiga have already returned from the Covid list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yankees: Star third baseman is back with the team and could be activated on Sunday

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New York Yankees, Gio Urshela

The New York Yankees have sure missed his contributions on the batter’s box and on the field, where his glove could have made a difference in at least one of the hotly contested affairs against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park this weekend. But at long last, third baseman Gio Urshela is back with the team after a stint on the COVID-19 injured list. He could be activated on Sunday.

“That was a boring 10 days,” Urshela said, according to MLB.com. “I had to do something; trying to feel the bat, keep it in the mind.”

Urshela hasn’t played for the Yankees since July 11, prior to the All-Star break. Upon play resuming in the second half, it was revealed that the team had several positive cases: Aaron Judge, Kyle Higashioka, Nestor Cortes Jr., Jonathan Loaisiga, Wandy Peralta, and Urshela.

It was the second time the Yankees’ third baseman got infected with the virus, as he also got it in the offseason.

The Yankees third baseman is ready to get back

“It’s a little weird,” Urshela said. “I feel good. I feel like I’m rested — a little too much. I’m ready to get back.”

Cortes and Loaisiga were activated on Friday. Peralta could need a Minor League rehab assignment before rejoining the big league roster, while Judge and Higashioka will be activated for the Rays’ series early next week.

After stringing together four wins in a row, the Yankees have dropped the first two games against the Red Sox at Fenway Park on Thursday and Friday. They actually got to the ninth inning up 3-1 in the first contest, but Chad Green blew the lead and Boston eventually won on extras.

Urshela, who is hitting .275 with a .315 OBP, a .756 OPS and 11 home runs this season, will help stabilize the infield somewhat, one that is also missing first baseman Luke Voit as of now.

The Yankees are expected to be active near the July 30 trade deadline.