NEW YORK – Given an additional 3½ months for their fragile stars to heal, the New York Yankees will closely monitor the conditioning of Aaron Judge, James Paxton, Aaron Hicks and Giancarlo Stanton before a season like no other.
“We want these players to resist a 60-game sprint over a 66-day calendar,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Tuesday, on the eve of the first to arrive in what has been called “summer camp.” in the Major League Baseball marketing agreement.
New York was slated to open March 26 in Baltimore with many of its key players on the disabled list, but he expects all to be available when training resumes this weekend.
New York posted a career-high record of 30 players on the disabled list a total of 39 times last season, then revised its training and conditioning staff.
“Ultimately, we are on it to win it,” Cashman said, “and I think everyone else should feel the same way.” And especially in a shorter season, I think it increases anyone’s ability to really attempt the title. And so it remains to be seen how they will respond to this challenge, but I think it will certainly open it up for many opportunities for teams to take advantage of. “
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Yankees will play their first rescheduled game in World Series champion Washington on July 23 in what could be a showdown between new Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and Max Scherzer, who helped the Nationals beat Cole’s Houston Astros in the World Series Game. 7 last fall.
New York plans to go to Philadelphia before its game against the Phillies on July 29, according to information obtained by The Associated Press.
Judge did not play in any exhibition games due to discomfort in his right pectoral muscle and shoulder that he felt when rocking. The Yankees said March 6 that the right fielder had a stress fracture in his first right rib, an injury that was likely due to a diving catch late last season. Later, the judge said he had a collapsed lung.
“We are very optimistic right now that perhaps his proximity that he would be ready on opening day and in the lineup will ring true,” Cashman said. “So now it all comes down to game reps and facing live pitches and seeing if he’s in game form. ”
Paxton underwent surgery on February 5 to repair a herniated disc in his back and to remove a peridiscal cyst. The left-hander came out of his last start to the regular season, in Texas on September 27 after an inning with what the Yankees said was a tight left gluteal muscle, then returned for three postseason starts.
“We believe his injury problem is resolved,” Cashman said, adding that New York needs to assess Paxton’s arm strength.
After accepting a nine-year, $ 324 million contract, Cole is leading a rotation that includes rights Masahiro Tanaka, Paxton and left-hander JA Happ. Left-hander Jordan Montgomery could be the fifth starter.
Right-hander Luis Severino is recovering from Tommy John surgery on February 27.
Hicks, a center fielder who hits the switch, is recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Oct. 31. Cashman said he wants to assess his physical condition.
“I’m sure he feels he will be ready for opening day and I think that is possible,” he said.
Stanton straightened his right calf during defensive exercises on February 26.
“If you’re looking for the DH role for opening day, I think it’s a possibility,” Cashman said before saying that the availability of Stanton’s left field “has yet to be determined.”
Cashman said some players may be late due to the trip and that the first official session for pitchers, catchers and injured players could be delayed by one day until Saturday. Director of Medical Services Steve Donohue, Director of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Michael Schuk and Athletic Coach Tim Lentych are trying to prepare Yankee Stadium for the trainings that normally take place at George Steinbrenner Field and the minor league complex in Tampa, Florida.
“They are working without stadium operations personnel to use all aspects of the plan at Yankee Stadium, and that is not just their playing field,” Cashman said. “Clearly, you have a visiting clubhouse, you have an auxiliary clubhouse, you have a clubhouse at home, so we will be expanding and dispersing our players everywhere. ”
Batting cages and bullpens will be used. The Great Hall below the bleachers on the first base side will be the site of the launch programs. He’s talking to opposing GMs about scheduling the three allowed exhibits just before Opening Day, and the Mets are the most likely opponent due to the short travel distance.
Cashman is preparing for a season of short-term change.
“If we have a game tomorrow,” he said, “and your opener shows up and has a temperature and suddenly has unexpected symptoms just before the start, how do you adapt on the road?”
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