Cardinals, Phillies, Yankees can benefit from injured players returning

New York Yankees: Harrison Bader

I bet when you think I’m going to say Aaron Judge returning to the lineup is just what the Yankees need. However, while that is true, another player that is also returning and adds another dimension to their defense and lineup is Harrison Bader. Judge returned in New York’s 10-5 win over the Oakland Athletics Tuesday night, but Bader returned on May 2 from a strained oblique and he has made an immediate impact.

The 28-year-old, who was acquired last season at the trade deadline in a deal with the Cardinals, is hitting .429 with three home runs and 11 RBI in nine games. His return also gives the Yankees their top center fielder back, which allows manager Aaron Boone to keep Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the infield instead of the outfield. Bader also supplies speed on the basepaths that opposing teams have to worry about.

Injuries have played a big part in New York’s start to the season that has them in last place in the AL East and the Yankees avoided losing Bader again with a potential head injury against the Cleveland Guardians on May 3, but Bader and Judge returning will go a long way into giving their lineup length.

Wainwright, Harper, and Bader, along with Judge for that matter, are players who are key to their teams this season, and getting them back will only improve their team’s chances at turning things around. In a long season, the return of a key player can give a team jolt, and the Cardinals, Phillies, and Yankees hope that happens.