The Yankees are on a roll, but they could be even better when some rehabbing players return from the DL. Here’s a quick rundown gathered from Peter Abraham & Jenny Vrentas of the NJ Star-Ledger:
- Xavier Nady (partially torn ligament in right elbow) – He started a throwing program on Monday and experienced some soreness very early on. However, he “felt much better” on Tuesday, only experiencing soreness on two throws according to Joe Girardi. Nady will take the day off today and continue throwing on Thursday.
- Jose Molina (strained left quad) – While playing in an extended spring training game in Tampa, he felt pain in his left quad and exited the game early. MRI test results are coming soon, and the Yankees will make decisions from there.
- Damaso Marte (tendonitis in left shoulder) – He’s been on the 15-Day DL since April 26, so the Yankees are taking it very slow with him. He will pitch a bullpen session this Friday in Tampa.
- Cody Ransom (right quad injury) – He was placed on the 60-Day DL on April 25, but seems to be ahead of schedule. He will report to triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday to begin a rehab assignment.
Unfortunately, it sounds like none of the four are close to a return. But I still think Nady will have a huge impact on Nick Swisher when he returns, and Ransom should be a slight upgrade to Ramiro Pena. To be honest, I don’t think Molina’s return is necessary because of Francisco Cervelli’s emergence. Marte has not pitched well with the Yankees yet, but remember, he did help Ozzie Guillen and the White Sox win a World Series in 2005.
After Andy Pettitte left his start against Cleveland early because of back issues, there was some doubt as to whether he would make his next start. But the lefty has, continually reassured he would make the start. His latest reassurance,
“I feel good. We haven’t even talked about me missing a start. I am making my start.”
Chien-Ming Wang could be used as an emergency starter if something drastic were to happen. Regarding Wang’s future in the bullpen, Girardi said, “We’re happy with the progress that he’s made. But at this point we’re staying on schedule.” On schedule meaning that Phil Hughes will make his start against David Price and the Rays on Friday.
The Yankees highly-touted hitting prospect, Austin Jackson, is batting .346 as the everyday center fielder for Scranton. Tyler Kepner of the NY Times wrote a wonderful feature on him, and focused a blog entry on him. Both are highly suggested reads, as Jackson could make his debut with the Yankees by the end of this season.
Last but not least, a Quinnipiac friend from the newspaper, John Healy, has started a new Yankees blog along with another friend. Check it out!
