Yankees Jonathan Loisiaga & Harrison Bader

Injuries play a huge role in all sports globally, let alone baseball. However, in baseball, excessive injuries can lead to a team’s imminent downfall. This year, it seems the New York Yankees would have to witness that downfall. While it’s too early to predict, the early sign does not look promising at all. Nevertheless, the Bombers are doing everything they can to salvage the current dire situation.

The Yankees received two major mixed injury updates this week. This update comes after their captain, Aaron Judge, landed on the injury list due to a mild hip strain. The crowded IL of the New York Yankees refuses to shorten as injuries continue to pile up. At this rate, it would not be too long before the team loses 80% of their regular lineup to injuries. Moreover, the recent updates could further either make or break the season for the team.

   

Jonathan Loaisiga To Undergo Elbow Surgery After Feeling Discomfort During Rehab

Yankees
New York Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga hands the ball to manager Aaron Boone as he leaves during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (Frank Franklin II/AP)

New York Yankees pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga had a 2.70 ERA across 3.1 innings this season before falling prey to an elbow injury. He sustained the injury during the first week of April and has been on the IL ever since. While he did make a solid recovery, a setback during rehab further delayed his return. Apparently, Jonathan, who was hitting flat on the ground, repeatedly complained of discomfort. Hence, the Yankees shut him down from throwing momentarily and sent him back to New York for scans.

Now as per the MRI results, Jonathan Loaisiga would need to undergo surgery on his right elbow to get a bone spur removed. On top of that, after the surgery, the pitcher would hold off for three to six weeks until he could start throwing again. Hence, the Yankees are possibly looking at early August for a return timeline. However, the decision would solely depend on the pitcher’s recovery pace. Jonathan’s recent injury update is a big blow to the Bombers, who looked forward to his return to boost their struggling rotation.

Yankees Outfielder Harrison Bader Likely To Be Activated This Week

Harrison Bader
Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

On the other hand, the Yankee fan base could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Outfielder Harrison Bader, who stayed out due to an oblique issue, could join the roster this week before the series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The outfielder has made an excellent recovery so far after landing in IL prior to the commencement of the 2023 MLB season. Apart from being a stellar center fielder, Bader also comes in handy with the bat by inducing good hits in the middle.

Hence, at a time when the Yankees offense struggles in the absence of Aaron Judge, Harrison Bader’s induction could majorly boost the Bombers’ lineup. Overall, the New York Yankees will need to find a way to maintain their competitive edge despite the absence of several key players and make a deep run in the season to end the years-long World Series drought.