Derek Jeter has been scratched from today’s exhibition game against the Phillies because of a “cranky” ankle. Considering the short stop is still in the early stages of his recovery from off season surgery, it makes sense to error on the side of caution. However, the lingering soreness is a reminder of the 2013 Yankees’ vulnerability.
Jeter isn’t the only Bronx Bomber with health concerns. The Yankees currently have no fewer than 15 players who are either currently on the disabled list, rehabbing an off season surgery, coming off a 2012 campaign in which they missed significant time, or posses a history of chronic injury. That’s 60% of what probably would have been the team’s Opening Day roster had the Yankees been able to escape the injury bug. What’s more, with the exception of Robinson Cano, Ichiro Suzuki, and Hiroki Kuroda, an injury cloud hangs over just about every other Yankee who is expected to make a meaningful contribution this year.
Anatomy of the Yankees’ Health Concerns (click to enlarge)
Note: Red indicates current injury; purple indicates off season surgery; orange indicates recent or chronic injuries.
Source: baseballprospectus.com
Can the Yankees overcome their aches and pains in 2013? Of course, but it’s not enough for Jeter, CC Sabathia, and Mariano Rivera, among others, to simply take the field; they must perform up to their standards when they do. That might be asking for a lot from an older team like the Yankees, but without much depth to fill in the gaps, there is no margin for error. The bottom line is if the Yankees’ wounded veterans don’t make a full recovery, the team’s prognosis won’t be pretty. So, although the Bronx Bombers are not yet in terminal condition, if the early vital signs don’t improve, the Yankees could be facing a long season on life support.
Leave a Reply