Due to Injuries, Yankees Continue Limping in AL East

The New York Yankees came into Tuesday riding a six-game losing streak. After losing their most recent series to the Oakland Athletics, they are coming into the three-game stint against the Anaheim Angels in hopes of a turnaround. After an 8-3 loss on Tuesday night, things are continuing to look bleak for the Bronx Bombers.

The franchise is starting to have some issues with injuries primarily. Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is currently out indefinitely with a serious concussion suffered on May 24th, but is reportedly expected to take batting practice before Thursday’s game against the Angels. The addition of Ellsbury within the lineup not only secures speed on base, but the 33-year old veteran has evidently been one of the best defensive outfielders throughout the last several years. If the Yankees can get a healthy Ellsbury back, expect for him to be utilized within a starting rotation of himself, Aaron Hicks, and Brett Gardner, with Aaron Judge as the everyday right fielder.

In other news, Yankees first baseman Greg Bird remains sidelined with an ankle/knee injury, and is expected to seek the opinion of a specialist. Last year may have been a fluke, but Bird will likely continue to be viewed as a major factor in the Yankees success for the upcoming years. At one point, many believed that Bird had the chance to make the 2017 season special for himself, after catching the eye of everyone throughout spring training. Bird has hit six for his last sixty at-bats in the majors, so the Yankees will likely continue to make Chris Carter the everyday first baseman, up until they feel more confident in Bird’s return.

Finally, the Yankees up and coming prospect Gleyber Torres is scheduled to receive Tommy John surgery, after a dangerous slide going into home plate took place. The 20-year old was projected to take over third baseman duties for the Yankees, as Chase Headley has continued to be a liability for the franchise. Reportedly, Torres is projected to recover in time for spring training in 2018, but this was obviously a huge blow to the club.

The Yankees are struggling as of late, and they are currently 4-12 against AL West teams. While the team is still within the race of the AL East, they need to remain healthy in order to remain as contenders within the division.