Before the 2024 season began, the New York Yankees were worried about injuries. New York Yankees had injury concerns before the 2024 season even started, with Gerrit Cole and DJ LeMahieu beginning the season on the injured list and Anthony Rizzo and others dealing with injuries during Spring Training., Aaron Judge Anthony Rizzo and others had health issues during Spring Training.
Gleyber Torres, a two-time All-Star second baseman, was hit on the hand by a fastball in the second game of the season, but it seems that he will be okay.
An Astros reliever, Taylor Scott, accidentally hit Torres' right thumb with a 93-mph fastball. Randy Miller reported for NJ.com.
Torres signed a one-year, $14.2 million deal with the Yankees to avoid arbitration this offseason, and initially said he was fine after getting hit, but later pulled himself out of the game because he was worried about not being able to play effectively due to the sore hand.
Torres went for X-rays after leaving the game, and they showed no sign of a fracture.
The Yankees want to go to the playoffs this year after dealing with a lot of injuries last year, so even small injuries will be closely watched, especially in their limited infield.
With LeMahieu out, the Yankees have Jon Berti, Oswalda Cabrera, and Jahmai Jones as the second-base backups. The listed second-base backups are Cabrera, who is covering third base, and the newly-acquired Berti, who can also play shortstop if needed.Cabrera is playing third base, and Berti is his primary backup. Berti seems to be the top option if Torres can't play.
Berti seems to be the one to replace Torres if needed.
“Berti might start for Torres, but this was still a crisis avoided on all fronts,” Miller reported.
Juan Soto Also Raised Injury Fears in New York Yankees, Houston Astros Opening Series
Another important injury happened to Juan Soto, who was acquired in a major trade and has helped the Yankees win their first two games. Soto Soto has four hits and two RBI in seven at bats, while Cabrera has six hits and four RBI in nine at bats.
After the game, Soto downplayed what seemed to be an ankle injury and confirmed that he would play in the next game.
There Will Be a Close Watch on New York Yankees Injuries in 2024
Because of the attention on the Yankees' initial injuries, it seems like the injury problems from 2023 will continue in 2024. This is a big deal because Cole is already missing the start of the season. In a way, dealing with injuries is one of the only things that can prevent the Yankees from making it to the postseason.
“New York had a lot of injuries last season, and that was one of the main reasons why the team didn't perform well,” Patrick McAvoy of Inside The Pinstripes wrote during the team’s Spring Training.
