As much as the New York Yankees intends to resolve roster problems through trades, getting the injured players back is equally important. Recently, the team welcomed back their star slugger and captain, Aaron Judge, from a prolonged toe injury. He laid out his impact immediately in Baltimore against their East rivals, the Orioles.
Apart from Aaron Judge, injured pitchers Jonathan Loaisiga and Nestor Cortes are also making their way through rehab and might return in early August. However, another injured veteran infielder is also hopeful of joining the list of returnees despite sustaining a season-ending injury. Is it optimism or delusion? Only time will tell.
Josh Donaldson Feeling Better After Sustaining Calf Injury, Intends To Return
New York Yankees infielder Josh Donaldson was having the worst season of his career before falling prey to a gruesome injury. A few weeks ago, Donaldson tore his right leg calf while trying to stop a ground ball. Moreover, the initial diagnosis led the third baseman to believe that his season was presumably over. However, recently, he was spotted in the team’s training workout on Monday. Donaldson took some swings in the batter’s box and fielded ground balls at the infield. He looked in great touch for a veteran suffering from a tear-grade injury. Currently, the infielder is placed on a 60-day IL which does not allow him to return before mid-September. However, the veteran revealed that he wasn’t involved in the decision-making process. The team just informed him that they would be moving him for the longest IL stint.
After Monday’s training, Josh Donaldson said that he feels already better. While he did initially believe that his 2023 season was over, his current state is far much better. Moreover, as a competitor and professional baseball player, Donaldson wants to return and help his team, the Yanks, win. Having said that, the veteran infielder still has a lot of steps to go through before even dreaming of a return. Amid these uncertainties, Donaldson’s name is also being flown in the trade market. Rumors have it that the veteran could be put up for trade as the Bronx Bombers are willing to sell. Josh is an impending free agent. But also, he isn’t sure about returning back to the field for the next season as he will be turning 38. Nonetheless, the road to recovery may be challenging, but Josh Donaldson’s determination may outweigh all adversities.
Yankees Make Fresh Roster Moves Ahead Of Rays Series
The New York Yankees lost a crucial series to Baltimore Orioles last weekend. Next, they were scheduled to face a sturdy Tampa Bay Rays. Ahead of the series opener, the team announced fresh roster moves. Key reliever Ron Marinaccio was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Moreover, in the counter move, right-hand pitcher Jhony Brito received a call up into the major league roster.
Jhony Brito made a start in the opening game against the Rays as Domingo German was supposedly battling an armpit injury. However, Brito had a horrendous outing, as he gave away five runs in four innings. German eventually returned to relieve Briton and pitched five perfect shutout innings. With the loss, the Yankees plunged further into the East division.