Torres, Paxton joining crowded 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 Avilan 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 Eastleading 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-year-old is 1-1 with a 6.64 ERA in five starts. He can become a free agent at the end of the season.

YANKS TRADE HALE TO PHILLIES

ATLANTA — The Philadelphia Phillies acquired right-handed reliever David Hale on Friday from the New York Yankees to help their league-worst bullpen, sending back righty relief prospect Addison Russ.

Hale has appeared in 95 games over six seasons with the Braves, Rockies and Yankees. He has allowed two earned runs and made one save in six innings this season. He was designated for assignment Monday when All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman returned from the COVID-19 injured list.

Phillies relievers have combined for an 8.07 ERA this season, the worst in the majors by nearly two runs.

Hale was not expected to join Philadelphia for its game Friday night at Atlanta but should be available in the bullpen Saturday.

Philadelphia also placed left-hander Jose Alvarez on the 10-day injured list Friday with a testicular contusion and recalled lefty JoJo Romero from the team’s alternate site.

The 25-year-old Russ has been working out at Philadelphia’s alternate site and hasn’t pitched above Double-A.