This season the New York Yankees have suffered some devastating injuries. As we head into October, however, some players are due to return soon.
The 2019 MLB trade deadline saw a lot of New York Yankees fans disappointed as GM Brian Cashman failed to execute any moves. With the team’s pitching struggling down the stretch and numerous prominent players hitting the IL at an unprecedented rate, the expectation was that the once free-spending Yanks would return to their old ways and mediate their issues with the almighty dollar.
Fortunately for the Yankees, after the trade deadline, the team has gone 9-2 and are tied with the Houston Astros for the best record in the American League. What’s more, the team has received some good news regarding the aforementioned prominent players on the IL.
It turns out, not making any moves at the deadline could be the right move. Especially if you consider the following players to be acquisitions themselves.
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Let’s begin with Dellin Betances. Earlier today, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reported that Betances threw 20 pitches and felt “Better than expected.” Yankees beat writer Bryon Hoch anticipates Betances to return sometime in late August.
Aaron Hicks, who has delivered several big hits for the Bronx Bombers this season, went on the IL on August 4 with a flexor strain in his right elbow. Today, Meredith Marakovits of the YES Network reported that the Yankees will have Hicks reevaluated as he has said that he doesn’t feel pain in his elbow anymore. If all goes right, Hicks should be able to resume baseball activities soon.
CC Sabathia isn’t the same flamethrower he was when he first came to the New York Yankees. He has, however, turned into the kind of clubhouse leader all teams salivate over.
Sabathia has been on the IL with knee inflammation since late July. According to Dan Federico, Sabathia is expected to return this weekend against the Cleveland Indians.
This brings us to Luis Severino. Sevy emerged as an MLB ace last season after delivering one of the most dominant 3/4 of a season to memory. After struggling to finish the 2018 season, Sevy entered 2019 with a chip on his shoulder.
Unfortunately, the ace hasn’t been able to pitch yet because of several injuries. The good news, however, is that Sevy has thrown a couple of bullpen sessions and has felt good. According to Hoch, Aaron Boone believes that Severino will be able to start facing hitters by the end of the week.
Severino’s timetable to return could be as early as late August.
Finally, Giancarlo Stanton has suffered a slew of injuries this season which has only allowed him to play in nine games. While Stanton’s progress has been slow, the Yanks haven’t missed his bat yet. With his timetable to return is set for early September, don’t be surprised if you see him return in late August.
To conclude, it’s feasible to think that the New York Yankees shouldn’t be in the position they are in given all of their injuries. However, now that they have exceeded everyone’s expectations when these injured players return, fans will be looking for this team to be beyond dominant.