3RD TIME’S THE HARM
KLUBER, PEN FALTER AS YANKS LOSE THREE STRAIGHT FOR 1ST TIME SINCE JULY
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Zack Britton met with Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday in Los Angeles regarding his sprained left elbow, which was expected to give the Yankees clarity on his injury and perhaps his status for 2022.
In the meantime, the Yankees transferred the left-handed reliever to the 60-day injured list earlier in the day, ruling out a regular-season return and all but ending his season after he initially went on the 10-day IL retroactive to Aug. 20.
A source confirmed a report by MLB Network that Britton would likely need to have surgery to have bone chips removed from his elbow again. Britton underwent a similar procedure in March — but Boone said they would know more once Britton returned from his visit.
Britton said last week he had been advised by several doctors that he shouldn’t try to pitch the rest of the season and while Britton said he wasn’t quite ready to “raise the white flag” on this season, he acknowledged the reality of still being under contract for $14 million next year with the Yankees and wanting to do what is most sensible.
“I’ve talked with [general manager Brian Cashman] about what’s the best thing for me to be the best version of myself for this team next year,’’ Britton said in Atlanta. “I just don’t think this year is gonna be in play anymore, unfortunately, but that won’t be clear ’til I speak with all the doctors.”
As of last week, while Tommy John surgery had not been ruled out, it hadn’t been recommended, since the ligament remained attached.
Britton has already been slowed by an offseason bout with COVID-19, spring training surgery to remove bone chips and a strained hamstring. Britton said he thinks the previous elbow surgery may have played a role in creating his current elbow injury.
➤ Gleyber Torres is scheduled to continue his rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset on Tuesday, with a plan to rejoin the Yankees on Friday, when they open a homestand against Baltimore.
Boone said Torres came out of Sunday’s game well.
“He feels really good and is really excited to get back and join us,’’ Boone said.
Whenever Torres returns, the Yankees will have a new-look infield, with Anthony Rizzo at first base, DJ LeMahieu at second, Gio Urshela at third and Torres at short.
That would likely leave Rougned Odor as a left-handed bat off the bench and Tyler Wade a potential pinch runner and defensive replacement in both the infield and the outfield.
Where it would leave Bronx-native Andrew Velazquez remains to be seen.