Yanks cautious with DJ & Gio
PHOENIX — DJ LeMahieu and Gio Urshela were both out of the Yankees lineup Tuesday, two days after both left Sunday’s game with injuries. Aaron Boone said it was more of a precaution and he would use them in a pinch-hitting situation if he really needed to.
But with an off day on Thursday, Boone said he was inclined to give LeMahieu at least a couple days off.
“They would be options, Gio a little more so, but they both will both be pinch hitting options,” Boone said.
The Yankees manager, however, said that is not a reason to be concerned about LeMahieu.
“I feel pretty good. Obviously he got lots of tests done and has improved each and every day. Got out and jogged today, took swings in the cage and everything,” Boone said of LeMahieu. “So I think, he may not be in there tomorrow, but with the off day behind it, feel pretty good that it’s a couple-day thing.”
LeMahieu was diagnosed with inflammation in his right knee after X-rays and an MRI on Monday. Urshela was hit in the left hand by a pitch Sunday. X-rays were negative for a broken bone and Urshela said he could play if needed.
“He’s already hit and did well,” Boone said. “He’ll get out and take his ground balls today and continue to evaluate it as he goes.”
Boone insisted that the injuries did not leave him shorthanded for the twogame series against the Diamondbacks.
“They are available, so we get in a situation and they are going to be options off the bench of us,” Boone said. “So, we’re used to it now. We’ve embraced it. Hopefully we’ll go out and support CC.”
LeMahieu has played in 27 of 28 games this season, hitting .310/.363/.430 with 15 RBI and a home run. Urshela was slashing .351/.415/ .509 with six RBI and a home run in 20 games.
FRAZIER PROGRESSING
Clint Frazier (sprained left ankle) ran on the field before Tuesday night’s game and is nearing being ready to return.
Frazier jammed his ankle in the first game of this road trip.
BACK IN THE GAME
Miguel Andujar (partially torn labrum right shoulder) and Troy Tulowitzki (strained left calf ) were in the lineup for the Florida State League, Class-A Tampa Tarpons Tuesday night. It was the first official minor league rehab game for both.
Boone said that there is a chance that Andujar could return to the major league lineup as soon as this weekend. He is trying to avoid season-ending surgery to repair the labrum.
Andujar went hitless in four at-bats Tuesday night and played seven innings at third. Tulowitzk i went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. His hit was a two-run homer.
DETOURED
Giancarlo Stanton (biceps/shoulder), who the Yankees left behind in southern California, was originally scheduled to rejoin the team here today, but that plan changed. Boone said that Stanton is remaining in southern California to continue working on his rehab.
“Giancarlo did not come here. He’ll fly to New York Thursday. Where he’s getting his treatment right now is good, there is a cage there, so today, I haven’t got the report yet, he was supposed to be hitting off a tee today and progressing,” Boone said. “He’s doing all right.”
GOING GREEN
In his first outing since being sent to the minors to find himself, Chad Green pitched two scoreless, hitless innings. He struck out five and walked one.