The only good news for the New York Yankees as of late is that Derek Jeter is atop the MLB's jersey sales. Otherwise, injuries and roster changes are affecting the Bronx Bombers despite them being only three games out of first place in the American League East division.
The latest news in the Yankees' clubhouse is that star pitcher Masahiro Tanaka will be placed on the 15-day disabled list with elbow inflammation in his pitching arm. Tanaka has been one of the best pitchers in the entire league this year, but his last four starts were shaky after he posted a 1-3 record with a 4.25 ERA, compared to his first 11 starts when he boasted a stunning 11-1 record with a 1.99 ERA. But after facing the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night, Tanaka was flown to New York for an MRI on Wednesday because of elbow soreness.
"The ball was coming out good. He was just up in the zone, so I didn't think anything of it," said Brian McCann, the catcher for the New York Yankees, in this ESPN article. "The only thing from yesterday was that his pitches didn't have the sharp action they've had in the past. I didn't notice anything. It was a surprise when I [heard the news] today."
With potentially bad news looming for Tanaka (aka Tommy John surgery), the Yankees have a number of other issues. It was announced earlier in the week that C.C. Sabathia is likely out for the remainder of the season. Carlos Beltran suffered a couple of facial fractures in a batting practice accident prior to yesterday's game (and could be placed on the DL) in addition to the swelling in his right knee and a bone spur in his right elbow he's been dealing with. Although Mark Teixeira has been healthy in recent weeks, he's been dealing with wrist, groin, and hamstring issues in the first half of the year that can potentially resurface. They lost pitchers Ivan Nova (for the year) and Michael Pineda (until at least August). And outfielder/designated hitter Alfonso Soriano was designated for assignment this week after an unsuccessful year thus far.
So now what? Well, it looks like Joe Girardi will have to make due. The pitching staff is decimated, but they traded for right-handed pitcher Brandon McCarthy who could provide a spark despite his rough start with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Also, youngster Shane Greene impressed Girardi after holding the Cleveland Indians to two runs and four hits in six innings of work, earning his second start this Saturday. The rotation now includes Hiroki Kuroda, David Phelps, Brandon McCarthy, Shane Greene, and Chase Whitley.
Now, with an unproven starting rotation, the Yankees lineup is going to have to produce more runs in order to win games. The team will have an opportunity to assess their myriad issues over the all-star break next week.
You can read more about the New York Yankees' injury trouble on the ESPN New York Yankees blog.
