Torres’ hamstring MRI is negative; Yankees dodge scare
NEW YORK (AP) >> The playoff-bound Yankees have dodged a September scare.
An MRI of Gleyber Torres’ achy right hamstring came back negative a day after the star second baseman fell awkwardly fielding a ground ball.
The team announced the MRI results about 15 minutes before New York played the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. Torres was not in the lineup, although manager Aaron Boone said he was feeling good.
Boone had said the Yankees would be cautious with Torres regardless of the MRI results. The AL East champions have six more games after Saturday before opening their postseason Oct. 4.
Torres slipped after backhanding a grounder Friday night, prompting an audible gasp from the Yankee Stadium crowd. He was pulled later and felt weakness in his lower legs.
The 22-year-old Torres leads the team with 38 homers and is hitting .284 with 90 RBIs and an .889 OPS. The 100-win Yankees are in a tight race with Houston for home-field advantage, and Boone is trying to strike a balance between battling the Astros and resting his stars.
“Any ailments we’re dealing with, taking care of that trumps everything,” Boone said.
Edwin Encarnación (oblique) could return to the lineup during the upcoming midweek series against Tampa Bay. He’s a bit ahead of catcher Gary Sánchez (groin tightness), but Boone said Sánchez could be back for the final series at Texas. Boone is “confident” Sánchez will be ready for the playoff opener.