Sanchez’s rehab game hits a minor snag
Gary Sanchez’s return from the injured list has hit an obstacle.
The Yankees want to see the catcher test his strained left calf in a minor league rehab game before activating him, but there are no minor league games being played Sunday.
“So no minor league games tomorrow, so that backs us up a little bit. We’re still trying to figure out where, trying to get the most convenient spot,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before Saturday’s 9-2 win over the Royals at the Stadium. “If all goes well there, he’ll fly to meet us in Anaheim on Tuesday with the idea he’ll be an active player for us Wednesday.”
That’s a huge relief and rare occurrence for Boone, who has lost a dozen players to the IL already this season. Only one has come back and
played.
The catcher was off to a good start this season. After a disappointing 2018, where he slashed .186/.291/.406, Sanchez was leading all major league catchers with six homers and 11 RBI. He was hitting .268/ .333/.732 through 11 games.
The Yankees’ two closest affiliates are on the road Monday. The Triple-A team is in Rochester Monday, the Double-A squad is in New Hampshire, so nothing will be “convenient,” but Sanchez has been adamant that he will be back sooner than later.
NEXT MAN UP
The Yankees announced they expect to recall Thairo Estrada to take Aaron Judge’s spot on the roster. Estrada, an infielder, is the last remaining healthy position player on the 40-man roster. That makes
Tyler Wade the Yankees’s fourth outfielder.
THANKS FOR PLAYING
Gio Gonzalez opted out of his contract. The veteran lefty will become a free agent in two days unless the Yankees put him on the major league roster. Since CC Sabathia and Domingo German have stabilizes the rotation that is not the team’s plan at the moment.
Gleyber Torres had a three-run home run overturned by fan interference in the third inning after a video review. Royals outfielder Alex Gordon leapt and had his glove above the fence when a fan’s hand reached over it to catch the ball.
“A little bit sad, because I was thinking homer,” Torres said. “But I think it’s part of the game. Just try to stay in the same approach what can I say, next time just try to hit it a little farther.”
Boone was thrown out after he went out to argue the review, which is an automatic ejection.
“Obviously you can’t go out and argue the review, I totally understand it’s not their call. I just wanted to let everyone know how bad of a call I thought it was,” Boone said. “Taking a three-run homer off the board in that spot on what would have been a miracle catch in my eyes. I understand the call and I understand the objection … I just I was pretty upset.”
It was Boone’s first ejection this season, the fifth of his career.
STANTON STILL NOT FEELING IT
Giancarlo Stanton, who has been out with a left biceps strain since April 1, said he is not 100% yet.
“Still swinging in the cage. So next step hitting on the field. But I don’t know when that will be just yet. Still got to feel 100% inside,” Stanton said.
Stanton, Miguel Andujar (labrum), Tulowitzki, Dellin Betances (bone spur) and Luis Severino (strained lat) will all head to Tampa Sunday to continue their rehab as the Yankees head out for a west coast road trip.
TANAKA STILL SEARCHING
Masahiro Tanaka picked up his first career win against the Royals Saturday. The right-hander allowed one earned run on four hits. He struck out seven, but also walked three. That was just the second time in his career he has walked three or more in back-to-back starts.
“In a lot of ways it was a struggle for him today. Split wasn’t really there for him that much. Command was in and out, but he pitched and made pitches,” Boone said. “He’s great at his craft. For him to get through seven innings today … is a tribute to just how good a pitcher he is. Even when he’s not at his best, he can still compete at a high level.”