The Yankees’ injury woes continue, and this time it takes a toll on the Yankees’ short-staffed outfield.
It looks that Aaron Hicks’ season is now over, as he has a strained flexor in his right elbow. The Yankees plan to play in October without him, and surgery may be the way to go for Hicks. Also, Mike Tauchman has a Grade 2 calf strain that lands him on the Injured List.
Hicks has not had the greatest of seasons, putting up only a .235 batting average with a .325 on-base percentage. Regardless of his stats over the season, this is a big blow to the Yankees’ outfield, taking an outstanding defensive player out of the lineup.
Hicks has showcased his defensive ability this season, making up for his lack of offensive production.
What a catch by Aaron Hicks with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th to end the game. What a game. pic.twitter.com/OyGVWsd7IT
— Jimmy Clarke (@JimmyClarke) July 24, 2019
Mike Tauchman has been a huge part of the Yankees’ success this season. While multiple outfielders have hit the Injured List over the course of the season, such as Hicks, Giancarlo Stanton, and Aaron Judge, Tauchman was a player the team could lean on while the players recovered from injury.
Tauchman, who not many Yankees fans had known about before Cashman traded for him, has a .277 batting average, a .361 on-base percentage, hitting 13 home runs and driving in 47 runs in the process. This production was great for a player who had to fill in the shoes of all-star caliber players.
Tauchman had even hit a home run right before he strained his calf, extending the Yankees’ lead over the Red Sox.
Mike Tauchman and Aaron Judge are the only Yankees this season (stats through September 7th) to produce 1.75+ oWAR and 1.25+ dWAR. pic.twitter.com/XSfpIZyz0B
— Max's Sporting Studio (@MaxSportsStudio) September 9, 2019
On the better side of things, it seems that Giancarlo Stanton is finally close to a return. Stanton, the 2017 National League MVP, has only played in nine games this year. The Yankees’ outfielder/designated hitter has faced multiple setbacks from injuries this season, those being strained left biceps, a strained left shoulder and a strained left calf before the knee injury. In those nine games, Stanton posted a .290 batting average, a .421 on base percentage, a .419 slugging percentage, only hitting one home run and driving in seven runs.
Bringing back Stanton would be a huge help for the Yankees, adding a huge bat to the lineup. He could be back even as soon as September 17th, giving him eleven games to get ready for the Yankees’ push for ring number 28.
With the way the Yankees have played this season with their multitude of injuries, this is just another challenge they have to face head-on. They have played well all year despite the injuries, and hopefully their winning continues.
Featured Image: Kathy Willens - Associated Press
