Another season of hope for the Yankees' fans (and, of course, for many teams’ fans). There’s always a stipulation surrounding health for any team that hopes for success, and rightfully so.
The Yankees made some key moves to improve themselves over the winter which included re-signing Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo, while also signing the 2nd best free agent starting pitcher, Carlos Rodón, and free agent, Tommy Kahnle, in his return to the bullpen. Unfortunately, both acquired pitchers will begin the season on the IL (Injured List). Rodón has a mild elbow strain of the brachioradialis (we hope nothing more than that) and Kahnle has right bicep tendinitis.
Additionally, our centerfield, Harrison Bader (left oblique strain) and reliever, Lou Trivino (right elbow ligament sprain) were also added to the IL. To make matters worse, on the injury front, two other starting pitchers will also begin the season on the IL: Luis Severino (low-grade right lat strain) and Frankie Montas. That means that we will begin the season this Thursday with 3 out of 5 of our starting pitchers on the IL! While all of these aforementioned players, except Montas (who most Yankees’ fans despise), are expected to be out no later than May, this adds up to quite a blow prior to playing Game 1!! There are a few others on the IL, but they’re not currently as key as the aforesaid.
All teams end up with players hurt enough to qualify for the IL, but our personal biggest loss is clearly our starting pitching, especially our number two starter, Rodón. Most negatives have positives. For us, we have gotten to see the likes of Jhonny Brito and more-than-expected innings from Clarke Schmidt and Domingo German. While each offer decent backup, I would love for us to acquire another starting pitcher with more Major League pedigree, including a WHIP below 1.20.
Hopefully, many of the IL players will be back before May. If so, we have a very good team to compete this season. Our most exciting player will be Anthony Volpe, our new shortstop! Yesterday, the Yankees confirmed him to being our new starting shortstop. The scouts love him and so do many of the players including Judge, Stanton, and Rizzo. Former Yankee, Al Leiter, couldn’t say enough about him – knowing him through his own son’s playing days with Volpe in the Minor Leagues.
In the end, we should have a great season with plenty of HOPE!
