Before the All-Star break commenced, the New York Yankees hosted Chicago Cubs for a home series. However, the series turned out to be an utter disaster as the home team lost 1-2. The salient efforts of the pitching staff went in vain as the batters failed to turn up on the offensive front. On top of that, one of the key basemen suffered an injury concern during the series finale.
Injuries have played a massive role in the Yankees’ fall this season. Till now, we all are well versed with Aaron Judge’s toe injury, which continues to restrict his return to the field. Also, Nestor Cortes, the team’s key starting pitcher, is down with a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, as the season heads into the All-Star break, we have fresh updates on Josh Donaldson and Nestor Cortes.
Josh Donaldson Faces Injury Scare As He Limped Out Off The Field On Sunday Vs. Cubs
New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson is hitting .144 with 30 strikeouts this season. He suffered a hamstring injury early on, which led to a long absence. Moreover, even after coming back, the baseman has encountered a slump as his average has remained below .150 for the longest time. Meanwhile, on Sunday, Donaldson faced yet another injury scare. Batting in the first inning against the Cubs, the baseman hit a foul, and immediately after completing the shot, he was seen limping in pain. Josh reached for his calf before limping back to the dugout.
However, in the third inning, Josh Donaldson walked out to bat and hit a single. There has been no clarity from the Yankees over his health status. But the baseman’s return to the game suggested that the injury was indeed a false alarm. Regardless, Donaldson is having an awful season so far, even with 10 homers to his name. Hence, his presence, to be fair, does not make much of an impact. If you ask the fans, they surely would not want to see his face ever again. Meanwhile, as the season is set to enter its crucial second half, the onus is on Donaldson to somehow recover to earn his place for the next season, given he wants to keep playing at 38.
Yankees Nestor Cortes Faces Live Hitters, Making Good Progress!
On the flip side, we have some positive news from Nestor Cortes. The starting pitcher has been rehabbing from a shoulder cuff injury for several weeks. After resuming throwing activities post taking cortisone injections, Cortes faced live hitters for the first time on Sunday. He threw a total of 20 pitches without feeling any discomfort. After this, he will throw another live session in Tampa during the All-Star break and one during the Yankees’ road series with the Los Angeles Angels.
Once that goes down smoothly, Nestor Cortes can go for the rehab assignment. However, since the pitcher was placed on a 60-day IL, his return is unlikely till early August. Nevertheless, the Yankees have got Carlos Rodon back after a long wait. He will cover for Cortes as well until the latter is fit enough to return back to the rotation.
