The lack of infield depth has been a problem for the New York Yankees since the start of the season as third baseman DJ LeMahieu went dow with right foot fracture. Oswaldo Cabrera, the promising utility player, held the fort for a while before Yanks added an impactful reinforcement.
Jon Berti was traded to the New York Yankees via a three-team mega trade deal just days leading up to the opening day. While he missed out on his opening-day debut, Berti performed well in LeMahieu’s absence until a groin injury cut short his stint. However, after an extended rehab assignment, Berti’s return seems imminent.
Jon Berti To Get Reinstated Off IL During Tigers Series!
The New York Yankees kicked off the three-game home series against the Detroit Tigers on a high with a thrilling 2-1 walk-off victory. A late ninth-inning offensive surge followed up by Anthony Rizzo’s sensational walk-off hit helped the Yanks save the face in front of home fans. That being said, Aaron Boone’s long-withstanding infield depth problem could likely be solved on Saturday as Jon Berti is likely to get reinstated off the injury list. Berti went down with a groin injury last month and recently completed a three-game rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset Patriots. Boone confirmed that Berti has been building up quickly, and he’s optimistic about his return as soon as possible. “Brings some speed to the game, brings real defensive versatility, which is always welcome,” said Boone of Berti’s skills.
Meanwhile, in the wake of Jon Berti’s return, in-form utility player Oswaldo Cabrera could likely lose his place at third base. The young guy has been showing signs of a breakout year this season and is literally maximizing on every given opportunity. On the other hand, Yankees seasoned third baseman DJ LeMahieu is also on the cusp of return later this month. His rehab schedule was cut short due to abrupt swelling. While the 37-year-old has been shut down for a week, his setback is not that significant. And with proper build-up, LeMahieu could return by the end of the month. Overall, the infield depth is a positive headache for Aaron Boone as he navigates his way to stack up an ideal and balanced starting lineup. And Boone is confident in making decisions that are in the best interests of the team.
Yankees Ace To Throw Off The Mound On Saturday!
Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees ace and reigning AL CY Young pitcher, is scheduled to take a big step in his rehabilitation program this weekend. As per skipper Aaron Boone, Cole will throw off the mound on Saturday for the first time since injury diagnosis. Notably, Cole’s IL stint will expire by the end of the month.
However, Gerrit Cole is likely to take longer before returning to the roster as he is behind in his spring build-up. Apparently, Cole needs to undergo full-fledged six-week spring build-up to be eligible for return. And that timeline will likely push the pitcher’s return window to the first week of June.
To stay up-to-date with the New York Yankees 2024 season, keep following Sports News International