The season is only five games old for the New York Yankees, but they’ve already been hit with bad news on the injury front.
Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez injured his arm during a swing in Saturday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. It was later revealed that Sanchez strained his right biceps and is heading to the 10-day disabled list.
#Yankees' young star Gary Sanchez leaves today's game with an apparent injury
We wish Sanchez the best & hope he's OK. #NYYvsBAL on FS1 now pic.twitter.com/IYWP4zmc0L
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 8, 2017
In five games on the season, Sanchez recorded three hits, one home run, and two RBI over 21 plate appearances.
Sanchez was New York’s breakout player in 2016, hitting a robust 20 home runs in just 53 games in his rookie season. Expected to carry a full-time role behind the plate, Sanchez’s injury is fairly devastating for the Yankees — even if it’s only a short-term loss.
"Injuries are part of the game and I feel positive. I want to stay positive," Gary Sanchez.#YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/rno4GOQexs
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 9, 2017
Obviously, it’s concerning to see the injury effect Sanchez’s throwing arm. Catcher is such a grueling position. If Sanchez can return to the lineup in a couple weeks, it may be better served for the Yankees to ease him in at DH before he handles the bulk of the catching load again.
The light-hitting Austin Romine will slot in for the time being for New York. It’s a significant downgrade for a lineup already lacking power.
Time will tell how much Sanchez’s injury impacts the Yankees. Obviously, the longer he sits, the more New York will miss him. It’s a tough break so early in the season.
Making matters worse for the Yankees is the fact that they lost this game, 5-4, and are now 1-4 on the season.
UPDATE: As feared, Sanchez will be out for a while.
Girardi: Gary Sanchez will be out four weeks with a Grade 1 strain of a muscle behind his right biceps.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) April 10, 2017