The Yankees have staggered out of the gate this season, thanks in part to an incredible run of injuries.
And a nine-game Western swing coming up next week would figure to be the last thing they need, but they could finally see some players return to the lineup on the swing, according to manager Aaron Boone, who said Gary Sanchez and Giancarlo Stanton might be back.
Perhaps just as important for their chances in 2019 was the fact that Miguel Andujar was able to make throws from third base for the first time since suffering a torn labrum in his shoulder.
Boone pointed to Sanchez and Stanton as potential pieces who could come back next week, given the progress they have made lately.
Sanchez caught his first bullpen session Friday since going down with a calf injury. He caught J.A. Happ and reported no problems. The catcher could need a minor league rehab game before rejoining the Yankees.
“Catching a bullpen is different than in a game because the adrenaline is not the same, but I felt good,’’ Sanchez said through an interpreter.
Stanton is recovering from a strained biceps, and Boone didn’t rule him out for the trip, perhaps after a rehab game or two, as well.
Sanchez and Stanton, though, are rehabbing injuries that aren’t expected to threaten their seasons.
That is not the case with Andujar, who still may need shoulder surgery that would keep him out the rest of the year.
Both Boone and the third baseman were pleased by what he was able to do Friday, when he took grounders and tossed them to first — although not at full strength.
Originally expected to make throws to first from the grass at third base, Andujar was strong enough that he moved back to the dirt as Boone looked on.
“I was really encouraged,’’ Boone said. “That was a good sign. I saw him throw from different angles, not totally letting it go, but at a pretty good pace across the diamond. We continue to get encouraging feedback from how he’s responding and progressing. At this point, we remain optimistic with him being able to return at some point. Today was another good step for him.’’
Andujar agreed that Friday was a “good day.’’
“I felt normal out there,’’ Andujar said through an interpreter.
And he added he is less tentative making throws than when he first began throwing in Houston after suffering the strained shoulder.
“This is my first time with an injury in my shoulder,’’ Andujar said. “That first time in Houston, I felt nervous, but ever since then I’ve gotten more confident about it. You lose that’s sensation of fear as you do it more.”
But Andujar and Boone cautioned against looking too far ahead.
“Today was a routine workout, where I was getting ground balls head on, not to the left or to the right or going back,’’ Andujar said. “We’ll see. We’re taking it easy. Today was a good day.’’
“We need to see more for him to be able to play third in a big league game,’’ Boone said. “He’s got to continue to progress little bit. Watching him today was pretty encouraging, and another step. He’s got to get to a level that he feels good about and we feel good about. We’re not there yet, but I feel and hope we’re moving in that direction.’’
Andujar is to head to Tampa when the Yankees leave town and will likely be joined by Troy Tulowitzki (calf) and Aaron Hicks (back), who remain further away.