METS GET COVID, YANKS GET INJURED
Subway Series postponed after Mets’ positive COVID tests
While the New York Mets are now experiencing the woes of 2020, the New York Yankees are dealing with déjà vu from 2019.
As Major League Baseball postponed the weekend Subway Series between the crosstown rivals, due to two members of the Mets organization testing positive for the coronavirus, the Yankees added three players to their extensive injured list. YANKS INJURED LIST Gleyber Torres, an All-Star shortstop, joined left-hander James Paxton on Friday as the newest additions to the already crowded injured list.
Torres had an MRI on Friday that showed mild strains in his left hamstring and quad, while Paxton had an MRI on Thursday that revealed a lowgrade strain in his left forearm flexor.
Left-hander Luis Avilán was also placed on the injured list after an MRI on Thursday revealed left shoulder inflammation.
The Yankees are already without star hitters Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu, as well as lefthander 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 and is now expected to return whenever the Yankees play their next game.
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-yearold 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-year-old Hale pitched six innings and had one save for New York. He was designated for assignment Monday when All-Star 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
SUBWAY SERIES POSTPONED
Major League Baseball postponed this weekend’s Subway Series to allow time for more testing and contact tracing after two members of the New York Mets tested positive for the coronavirus.