Andujar took the majors by surprise last year, hitting 27 homers, 92 RBI, and slugging .527, which was seventh best in the American League in 149 games. The reigning American League Rookie of the Year was placed on the Injured List with a small labrum tear in his right shoulder, which could require season-ending surgery.
It is tough enough for the team from Bronx to go without Andujar for a few weeks, if the Dominican native is out for the whole season; the Yankees are going to need to make some major adjustments, possibly a trade. The 24-year old was off to a hot start, racking up three hits in the opening series against Baltimore.
His power will be sorely missed. Last season, he was tied second in the American League with 47 doubles. The Yankees were relying upon him to be a huge presence in the middle of their lineup and play third base. Luckily aligned with plenty of depth, DJ LeMahieu played third in Andujar’s first game on the IL. He is set to serve as his replacement for the time being.
With multiple injuries already, the Yanks really cannot afford to lose Andujar’s bat. Without him, their lineup is going to suffer significantly.