Nunez Injured, Considers Slide Clean

Mar 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Chris Colabello (55) is forced out by New York Yankees shortstop Eduardo Nunez (26) during the fifth inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees’ infielder Eduardo Nunez is once again fighting for his roster spot during the spring of 2014. The once can’t miss heir apparent to Derek Jeter is battling to be a utility infielder on a Yankees team that needs depth and production at third base, second base, and shortstop. Friday afternoon’s game against the Minnesota Twins probably didn’t help Nunez in terms of his health.

During a routine play at second base, Nunez took a throw to end the top half of the 5th inning, when Twins’ runner Chris Colabello kicked Nunez in the left quad. Nunez held onto the ball to record the out. He limped a ways, then bent over in pain, and was removed from the game the following inning.

Nunez along with acting manager and full time third base coach Rob Thomson believe the slide was clean, even though it looked a bit awkward:

"It looked like a funny slide but I truly think he thought there were less than two outs."

Nunez will get the rest he needs, as he was scheduled for routine day off on Saturday prior to the injury. He says the injury to his quad feels like a Charlie Horse. Manager Joe Girardi and the other half of the Yankees are down in Panama preparing for the “Legends Series” honoring legend Mariano Rivera against the Miami Marlins this weekend.