SS Torres, LHP Paxton join crowded Yankees injured list

NEW YORK » All-star shortstop Gleyber Torres and left-hander James Paxton have joined the New York Yankees’ crowded injured list.

Torres had an MRI on Friday that revealed mild strains in his left hamstring and quad, while Paxton had an MRI on Thursday that showed a low-grade strain in his left forearm flexor. Both were added to the IL on Friday.

Left-hander Luis Avilán was also placed on the injured list after an MRI on Thursday revealed left shoulder inflammation.

The Yankees were supposed to play three games against the crosstown Mets this weekend, but the Subway Series was postponed after two members of the Mets tested positive for the coronavirus Thursday.

The Yankees are already without star hitters Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and DJ Lemahieu, as well as left-hander Zack Britton, right-hander Tommy Kahnle and backup catcher Kyle

Higashioka — all on the IL. Judge was expected to be activated Saturday after recovering from a strained right calf.

Torres was injured running to first base on an RBI groundout in the third inning of a game Thursday night against AL East-leading Tampa Bay. The 23-year-old is hitting .231 with one home run in 24 games, and he’s also struggled defensively since replacing departed Didi Gregorius as the everyday shortstop.

Paxton has lacked the usual zip on his fastball this season after having back surgery in February. He allowed three runs in five innings against the Rays on Thursday, striking out eight. The 31-yearold is 1-1 with a 6.64 ERA in five starts. He can become a free agent at the end of the season.

The Yankees also traded right-handed reliever David Hale to the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday in exchange for righty relief prospect Addison Russ. The 31-yearold Hale pitched six innings and had one save for New York. He was designated for assignment Monday when Allstar closer Aroldis Chapman returned from the COVID-19 injured list.

The 25-year-old Russ has been working out at Philadelphia’s alternate site and hasn’t pitched above Double-a. He has a 2.48 ERA and 50 saves over three minor league seasons, including a 2.54 ERA and 22 saves with Double-a Reading last season.

Russ was added to New York’s 60-man roster and assigned to the alternate site.