Matt Carpenter had been one of the biggest surprises in baseball this season. The New York Yankees had plucked him from the scrap heap, giving him one final chance as his career appeared to be over. That move turned out to be brilliant as Carpenter suddenly transformed into one of the better hitters on the Yankees giving the team an unexpected jolt in their lineup.
That storybook run has suffered a setback. Carpenter fouled a ball off of his foot, with the Yankees announcing that he left the game with a fractured left foot. At this point, he will require a stint on the Injured List, but little else is known regarding his recovery time.
Matt Carpenter’s New York Yankees resurrection on hold
This would be one of the later chapters in the storybook of Carpenter’s career. He would be in the midst of his redemption season, seemingly ready to ride off into the sunset on a high note, only to suffer some calamity. While it is unknown whether or not his season is over, the hope is that he can return late in the year and be a factor in the postseason.
The Yankees could certainly use his bat in the lineup. Carpenter has produced a surprising .305/.412/.727 batting line in his 154 plate appearances, hitting 15 homers and nine doubles as he has further proven the power of the moustache for New York.
If nothing else, Carpenter has proven that he does have something left. Even if his season is over, he should be able to get another contract from another team, especially given his power surge and defensive flexibility. It would not be a shock to see the Yankees bring him back as well for 2023.
But this is just another chapter in his story. Success cannot happen without setbacks, and in the movie script, this would be that final problem. The cinematic world would have Carpenter come back in time for the playoffs and come through with a clutch home run to propel his team to victory. The Yankees are certainly hoping that reality follows in turn.
Matt Carpenter’s storybook season has been paused with a fractured foot. The New York Yankees are hoping that is not the end of the story.