Yankees announce shortstop Gregorius needs Tommy John surgery
>> NEW YORK: Shortstop Didi Gregorius of the New York Yankees will have Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in the offseason, the team announced on Friday.
Gregorius, who the Yankees believe injured the elbow in one of the first two games of the American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox, is expected to miss the start of the 2019 season as he recovers.
Gregorius played the remainder of the ALDS despite the injury, collecting three hits in 14 at-bats. The Yankees were eliminated by the Red Sox in four games.
General manager Brian Cashman suggested Gregorius could be back in the line-up sometime in the summer.
“Best to stay general,” said Cashman. “I don’t want to [specifically] say June, July, August.”
Gregorius, 28, missed time in September with torn cartilage in his right wrist but returned in time for the end of the regular season and play-offs.
Gleyber Torres could replace Gregorius at shortstop to start the season, manager Aaron Boone said.
Boone also said there’s a “real chance [Gregorius] plays the bulk of the season with us.”
Gregorius batted .268 with 27 home runs and 86 RBIs during the regular season, his fourth with the Yankees.
Also needing surgery was lefthander CC Sabathia, who went under the knife on Friday to address a knee issue.
Sabathia is a free agent this winter.