The New York Yankees catching depth is in tatters as yet another player is set to miss action due to injury.
The 2023 MLB regular season is still close to four weeks away, and trouble has started mounting for the New York Yankees. Just like last year, the team is reeling under persistent injuries this season. The only difference this time around is that the season has not even commenced. Nevertheless, the Bombers are in deep waters as more and more players are entering the injury list as spring training progresses.
A few days into spring training practice sessions, Yankees’ top catching prospect, Austin Wells, was asked to abstain from taking part in baseball-related activities due to bruises on his ribs. Furthermore, catcher Ben Rortvedt suffered circulation issues in his fingers that required surgery. Now, another important part of the Yanks’ catching depth has picked up an injury.
Yankees Catching Prospect Josh Breaux Suffers An Elbow Injury
The New York Yankees have been hit with another injury blow, this time affecting their already depleted catching depth. After Austin Wells and Ben Rortvedt entered the injury list, another prospect, Josh Breaux, suffered an elbow injury. According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, Josh felt a bit of discomfort while throwing a few days back during practice sessions. As a result, he was taken for an MRI, the results of which are yet to be known. However, Boone fears that the injury will likely rule Josh out for at least two weeks.
This injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Yankees, who are already dealing with the absence of their three best catchers. Wells and Ben are already on the injury list. The only notable catchers remaining in the current bullpen are Jose Trevino and Kyle Higashioka. But, Kyle will leave the Yankees camp next week to represent Team USA at WBC 2023. Now, the only options available are non-roster invitees such as Rodolfo Durán, Carlos Narvaez, and Anthony Seigler. While Narvaez is actively participating in the spring training, the Yanks cannot rely on him for the long run.
External Catching Options For The Bombers In Free Agency
With the current catching lineup depleting at an alarming rate, the New York Yankees are keeping the free agency option open. As of now, their best bet would be reuniting with former Yankee Gary Sanchez. Gary played good defense during his tenure with the club. On top of that, he remains the top-catching option available in the free-agent market at the moment.
On the other hand, Rob Brantly is yet another option the Yankees could consider. Rob departed New York last year and is currently on a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays. Hence, the Yanks could send a spring training invite to Rob and then see how the situation unfolds. For now, the situation is extremely panicky in the New York Yankees camp, with players entering injury lists every day. They have to find a way around this before it’s too late.
