Why Yankees suddenly have some ‘optimism’ about Corey Kluber’s injury
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Corey Kluber is still expected to be out about two months with a shoulder strain, but there is some optimism regarding the injury. Boone even said the right-hander could begin a throwing program “probably in the next few days.”
That’s in contrast to the original prognosis, which called for Kluber to be shut down for at least four weeks, with a four-week rehab if all went well.
But after Kluber sought different opinions — including from Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles — Boone said he would start throwing off flat ground soon.
“I would say there is some optimism,’’ Boone said before the Yankees’ 9-2 loss to the Rays on Thursday in The Bronx. “It was recommended he start throwing sooner rather than later and hopefully that is a good sign.”
Kluber left his most recent start, on May 25 against the Blue Jays, with shoulder tightness after three innings. That came one outing after the 35-year-old threw a no-hitter at Texas.
Kluber was expected to get back to New York on Thursday, when he and the Yankees would map out a schedule.
Despite the potential change in plans, Boone said he still expected Kluber to be out for a similar amount of time as originally stated.
“It’s the same timeline,’’ Boone said. “The course of action has been altered a little bit.”
With Kluber unavailable, Michael King will get the start Friday against the Red Sox. Deivi Garcia wasn’t an option because players need to be in the minors for at least 10 days after being sent down and he was just optioned to Triple-A on Sunday.
Luis Severino could be getting closer to rejoining the rotation. He is scheduled to make his first rehab start Sunday with Low-A Tampa as he comes back from last year’s Tommy John surgery.
The Yankees have expected to have the right-hander back in the coming months. If he’s on a spring training schedule, he’d likely need to make at least five starts before rejoining the rotation.
The Yankees are taking it extra easy with Giancarlo Stanton in his return from a strained left quad that landed him on the injured list. Stanton was held out of the lineup again Thursday.
Stanton pinch-hit on Tuesday and played a complete game as the designated hitter Wednesday since his return.
Boone said he expects Stanton to play all three games of the series against the Red Sox that will begin Friday.
“We thought it best to have him down for a day game,’’ Boone said before the game. “We hope to roll him through on the weekend.”
Zack Britton continues to make progress in his return from elbow surgery that was performced in March. After allowing a homer in his second rehab outing with Double-A Somerset on Wednesday, the left-hander told Boone on Thursday he felt good and his pitches were better than in the first appearance. He’s scheduled to pitch again on Saturday.
“I think he’s encouraged,’’ Boone said.
Luke Voit, on the IL with a strained left oblique, could begin baseball activities soon, according to Boone. … Gio Urshela nearly pulled a Derek Jeter on Thursday. Racing after an Austin Meadows foul pop in the fourth inning, Urshela wasn’t able to catch up to it. He then leaped toward the stands when he couldn’t stop himself. Fortunately, Urshela launched into the protective netting down the third base line and seemed to be OK. He’s managing a left knee injury.