If Spring Training is any indication of how the regular season will play out for the New York Yankees, then we’re in for a disappointing season.
On Thursday, it was reported that the injury bug plaguing the New York Yankees this Spring has reached their guest instructors. According to the Associated Press, “Lee Mazzilli was struck in the head by a ball in batting practice Wednesday and taken to a local hospital.”
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Thankfully, per ESPN, Mazzilli is doing much better. He did spend a couple of nights in the hospital as the doctors are “just being curious,” according to Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo.
The Yanks have been experiencing an odd number of injuries this offseason. In a previous piece, I made the case for why the first two months of the season will be key to the team’s success. Especially since their schedule is so easy.
Then, the Yanks were looking to be without Luis Severino, CC Sabathia, Aaron Hicks, and Estevan Florial for a spell. Now, you have to add Greg Bird, Dellin Betances, and Tyler Wade to that list as well.
The good news is, the Yankees do have the depth in their roster to absorb all of these injuries. At least for a little while.
As far as the pitching staff goes, their bullpen is still the class of MLB. Also, with Luis Cessa turning heads this Spring, plus the addition of Gio Gonzalez, the team’s rotation should be able to hold things down.
Offensively, Clint Frazier will get his opportunity in the outfield and Luke Voit will get his opportunity to hold down first base, perhaps for good.
Let’s just hope that this injury “bug” has reached its apex with Mazzilli, because if it reaches the unreplaceable’s – Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Giancarlo Stanton – the Yankees are screwed