Core of the matter
2B Torres back in the lineup but abdominal injury is still a mystery
Even after Gleyber Torres was tested by doctors in New York for the core issue that has forced him out of two games in the last week, the Yankees do not have any answers about what the issue is. But they do have their second baseman. Torres was cleared for the second time by team doctors to return to playing.
Torres was confident, rested and ready to go when he got back to Baltimore late in the Yankees 14-2 win over the Orioles at Camden Yards Wednesday. After leaving Tuesday night’s game with core pain, he was reassured after an MRI and testing by team doctors revealed that he does not have a hernia.
“Yeah, I feel really good. Last night during the game, I feel a little bit sore. I take the day off again, now I rest,” Torres said. “I feel better and just wait for the manager to put me in the lineup to play again.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he considers Torres “day-to-day,” and once he’s back in the game, he will be considered 100 percent. The 22-year old said that he would like maybe one more day of rest, but “if my manager needs me ... I am good to go.”
“We’re not going to put him in any risk or anything. We’ll see where we’re at each day. If he’s not better in a few days and we’re in a situation where we need the extra spot, then we can do something at that point,” Boone said.
The Yankees also head to Toronto for a four-game series, which could present another concern. Many medical researchers point to the recent, so-called improvements of technology like the sneakers, cleats and artificial turf surfaces for the rise in soft-tissue injuries they are seeing throughout sports.
Torres first early exit came on Sunday, but he was cleared to play after an ultrasound and examination by team doctors. Monday he was in the lineup as the designated hitter, going 0for-5 with two strikeouts. Tuesday he went 0-for-2 with a strikeout before Boone removed him.
“I feel like he was letting it go, he wasn’t getting a lot of results,” Boone said of how Torres looked in those seven at-bats. “Whether he was a little uncomfortable or whatever, which obviously after last night when we took him out after a couple innings, he was a little bit uncomfortable. That’s why we removed him.”
Boone made the announcement after Thairo Estrada had walked into the visiting clubhouse at Camden Yards. The Yankees had sent the infielder to Baltimore because they were unsure if Torres would be heading to the IL until the afternoon. Estrada was sent back to Triple-A.
Torres is one of the few Yankees who has not made a trip to the IL this season. The Bombers have had 27 players go on the IL at some point this season and currently have 16 listed.
After missing two games because of a sore right knee and left shin, Gio Urshela was back in the lineup Wednesday night. Urshela fouled balls off his knee and shin in Sunday night’s game.
“Felt pretty good about the things he was able to do yesterday, getting on the treadmill and some of the agility things he was able to do yesterday.” Boone said.
Giancarlo Stanton, who has been on the IL with a right knee sprain since June 26, began baseball activities on Tuesday.
“I know he threw, I believe yesterday, he hit off the tee yesterday, still doing Alter-G, light running on the treadmill and stuff, he’s definitely moving in the right direction,” Boone said.
Stanton has played just nine games this season. In his first stint on the IL, he dealt with biceps, shoulder and calf issues.
Luis Severino, who has not thrown a pitch in a game this season because of shoulder and lat injuries, is still on schedule to throw off the mound for the first time on Friday. Dellin Betances, also out with shoulder and lat issues all year, could be joining him on the mound as soon as Monday.
“Dellin, if everything goes well this weekend, could be on the mound maybe on Monday when we get back home,” Boone said.
CC Sabathia, on the IL with right knee inflammation, is scheduled to throw a bullpen this weekend.
“If everything goes well with that, maybe sometime next week possibly,” Boone said. “If he comes out of that well, a chance you can see him at some point on the homestand.”
Catcher Gary Sanchez, on the IL with a groin strain, began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Wednesday. Boone said the hope is that Sanchez will be back in the lineup on Saturday.