UPDATE: New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that injured veteran Austin Slater is “starting to turn a corner” in his rehabilitation process, just ahead of a crucial series against the Boston Red Sox. This news comes as the Yankees prepare to reintegrate several key players back into their lineup.
Slater, acquired from the Chicago White Sox at the trade deadline, suffered a hamstring strain in just his third game with the team on August 4. He is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks, but Boone reported progress before Friday night’s game. “He’s starting baseball activities,” Boone stated. “I feel like he’s kind of starting to turn a corner here.”
The Yankees face urgent decisions as they navigate roster adjustments with the return of pitchers Fernando Cruz and Ryan Yarbrough, both of whom have been on the injured list since June due to oblique strains. Cruz is slated to return by Monday, while Yarbrough is projected to be back within a week or two.
With the roster expansion on September 1, Slater may take an extra spot if he is not yet ready to play. The Yankees’ bench already includes new acquisitions like speedy utility man José Caballero and veteran right-handed hitter Amed Rosario, who were brought in to bolster the team’s offensive capabilities.
Slater has a solid track record against left-handed pitching, boasting a career .795 OPS against lefties. Unfortunately, he went 0-for-7 in his brief time with the Yankees before his injury. The Yankees traded right-handed pitching prospect Gage Ziehl to secure Slater, making his return critical for the team’s playoff hopes.
As the Yankees look to solidify their roster while facing the Red Sox, fans will be eagerly watching for Slater’s continued progress. The urgency of the situation is palpable, as the team aims to maximize their performance during this pivotal point in the season.
Stay tuned for further updates on Slater’s recovery and the Yankees’ upcoming roster decisions as they seek to regain momentum in their playoff race.
