Yankees Chase Headley Day-to-Day with Stiff Back

Yet another New York Yankees regular is unavailable due to injury, with starting third baseman Chase Headley day-to-day due to a stiff back.

The New York Yankees lineup was barely recognizable Sunday night in the final game of a four game set against the Boston Red Sox. Only four of the team’s regulars were healthy enough to play against their division rivals, with five of the other lineup spots going to bench players and minor leaguers.

First baseman Mark Texieria has been dealing with chronic neck and knee issues all season. Outfielders Aaron Hicks and Aaron Judge are both on the disabled list. Finally, Jacoby Ellsbury and Starlin Castro both were forced to leave Saturday’s 6-5 loss to Boston with a knee and hamstring issue respectively.

Both issues look to be pretty minor, but with so few games left, it’s unclear whether they will be able to play again this season. When asked about Castro coming back, Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters before Sunday’s game:

"It’s hard to say. It really just depends on how quickly he heals. Hopefully it’s not too long. Hopefully it’s not more than a week, but still I think that’s probably pushing it. But you’re hoping that he heals quick."

Girardi was similarly cagey about Ellsbury’s return:

"We’ll try to get him back as soon as we can. But being a center fielder, you have to be able to run is the bottom line. … He’ll meet us in Tampa and see how he feels Tuesday."

The skipper’s pregame press conference also revealed that a third key member of the Yankees lineup suffered an injury Saturday, but didn’t tell anyone because he realized there was really no one to replace him.