How Will the Potential Absence of This Former MVP Affect the Yankees?
After the New York Yankees finally completed a series win on Tuesday evening against the Minnesota Twins, things were finally looking up for the team. While the Yankees are known for destroying the Twins regardless of record or placement in their respective divisions, the offense and pitching finally meshed together for a productive series. On Wednesday, faulty pitching and the offense showing a lack of consistency were once again the soundtrack to a loss, further showing that it may be time to question the Yankees’ postseason chances. However, manager Aaron Boone’s choice not to have first baseman Paul Goldschmidt pinch hit for Austin Wells with a runner on base and a lefty in the game was the most talked-about point. After, Boone told the media that Goldschmidt tweaked his knee when catching a pop-up in Tuesday’s game. As of right now, it’s not confirmed that Goldschmidt will land on the 10-day injured list, but he will be out for at least a few games.
While Goldschmidt may have moved into more of a platoon role with the Yankees recently, his ability to hit left-handed pitching will be missed in the lineup if he is to go on the injured list. In the last 15 games, Goldschmidt has only a .186 batting average, which is why Ben Rice has been getting the majority of the playing time at first when he isn’t the starting catcher. However, Goldschmidt had a great at-bat that ended in a go-ahead home run against the Texas Rangers last week, and has been hitting lefties well this season. Goldschmidt going on the injured list would not only take away a great potential option off the bench, but also force the Yankees to rely on Rice at first for the majority of the games.
With recent additions Austin Slater and Amed Rosario already hitting the injured list, the Yankees can’t afford to lose another piece of the team. If Goldschmidt does go down, the team will have to choose between calling up Jorbit Vivas, Braden Shewmake, or turning heads to call up Spencer Jones. Since Cody Bellinger would immediately become the backup first baseman, calling up Jones wouldn’t be completely out of the ordinary. While Jones didn’t get called up when Aaron Judge went down with an injury, Goldschmidt’s injury could provide him with the opportunity to show the team what he can do. However, only time will tell this weekend if Goldschmidt can play in his return to St. Louis or if he will be put on the injured list.
