Centre fielder Harrison Bader, who was acquired by the New York Yankees in 2022 via trade, has been just par this year. Of course, unwanted injury concerns played a role in denting his growth. However, post returning from the hamstring injury, Bader seemed to have lost his rhythm on the plate. In 49 games played so far, he has hit .243 with seven home runs and 31 RBIs.
That being said, injury setbacks are the most to blame for Harrison Bader’s downfall this season. His playing style forces him to stay hyperactive on the bases as well as on the field. However, his intense athleticism often becomes a curse for him. This season also he suffered two injury setbacks in the first half of the season. To further add to the misery, Bader faced yet another injury scare on Wednesday.
Harrison Bader Leaves Field After Being Plunked By Angels Pitcher
Yankees center fielder Harrison Bader has remained highly prone to injuries during his illustrious career. This season, he first missed close to six weeks due to an oblique injury and then additional four weeks due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, the injury bug has seemed to hit Bader for the third time this year. On Wednesday, Bader came out for his at-bats against the Angels in the top of the sixth inning. However, a 95 mph sinker from reliever Jose Soriano hit Bader badly on his lower back. The outfielder was immediately down on the ground as Yankees manager Aaron Boone and medical staff attended him.
Further, Harrison Bader chose to continue for the rest of the inning before getting replaced by Isiah Kiner-Falefa for the rest of the game. Initial tests have come back negative. But, the outfielder is scheduled to undergo additional tests, which include X-ray and CT scan. These tests will determine if Bader requires an IL stint. For now, the Yankees are calling it a left posterior rib contusion injury. Moreover, Bader said he was feeling fine. The hit definitely tightened him up, and it’s the reason he chose not to continue for the rest of the game. After the series loss to the Angels, the Yankees will head back to New York, where further tests on Bader will take place.
Yankees Lose Second Consecutive Series After All-Star Break
The New York Yankees have begun the second half of the 2023 season on an awful note. They have lost five out of the six played after the All-Star break. The offensive lackluster once again remained the top contributor to the loss. Apart from that, the pitching has also not been up to the standards. Domingo German and Carlos Rodon were absolutely shelled by the Angels. Rodon’s ERA shot up to over 7 in mere three starts this season.
Moreover, for the first time since 1990, the Yankees remain in sole possession of the bottom spot of the East division after having played over 90 games. However, despite everything, the Yanks manager is still confident of making it to the playoffs. He said that while the losses are gut-wrenching, the belief in the team is not lost. They will continue to compete at any cost. Having said that, only time will tell if the manager’s vision is optimistic or highly delusional.