New York Yankees prospect Thairo Estrada wounded during robbery attempt
By David Hill
New York Yankees prospect Thairo Estrada had quite a scare in January, as he survived an attempted armed robbery that left him with a gunshot wound in his hip.
Venezuela has become a frightening place for its citizens, and that is no different for those who play professional baseball. Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Elias Diaz‘ mother had been kidnapped last week, but was thankfully rescued. Other players, and their family members, have faced kidnapping threats, or threats of violence. Despite the condemnation of several players, and Miguel Cabrera calling out the government, these problems continue to persist.
New York Yankees prospect Thairo Estrada was caught up in those problems this offseason. It was learned that, back in January, he was wounded in the hip, shot during a botched armed robbery while he was out to dinner with his wife. Fortunately, Estrada is doing well, and recovering at the Yankees big league camp.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone announces that infield prospect Thairo Estrada sustained a gunshot wound in his right hip during a robbery attempt at the end of January. He is in good spirits and expected to play the majority of the season.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) February 16, 2018
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Although Estrada still has the bullet in his hip, he is expected to make a full recovery. In fact, he is not expected to miss much time during the season, even if he is limited during Spring Training. That will certainly help Estrada in his development, as he looks to build on his .301/.353/.392 batting line with the AA Trenton Thunder last year.
The timing of the injury is also unfortunate for baseball purposes for Estrada. With openings at third and second, he could have gotten a longer look during Spring Training. Keith Law of ESPN.com considers him to be a potential utility player in the majors, one who is likely to have a contact heavy approach and could play all around the infield.
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New York Yankees prospect Thairo Estrada escaped serious injury during a botched armed robbery in January. He should be ready to continue his ascension towards the majors early in the 2018 campaign.