Yankees: Multiple players close to making their returns

The Yankees started the season on the wrong foot. With several injuries carrying over from 2017, and several more occurring so far this season, the team did not seem ready for battle.

But as we all know, that has not been the case for this Yankees team. Holding the best record in baseball, 28-12, the Yanks patched themselves up well enough to enjoy a one-game lead on the rival Boston Red Sox.

Of course, none of their star players have missed significant this season, but the team has seen many key contributors take some falls.

Who’s to be expected back? Who will remain on the DL? How long do we have to wait?

Greg Bird

Bird was, and to many still is, the future of the Yankees at first base. A tall, power-hitting left-handed batter, Yankee Stadium’s short porch has been and will continue to be exploited by a healthy Bird.

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After having right ankle surgery in March, Bird has been assigned to rehab in the minors. Starting in single A and just recently moving it up to double A, Bird is slowly but surely making his way back to the Major League club.

Although his numbers haven’t been too impressive thus far while rehabbing in the minors, he is coming off a long-term injury and has only had a small sample size of plate appearances to judge from.

His return will push both Neil Walker and Tyler Austin to take a back seat position to the promising Bird.

Expected return: Possibly late May

Brandon Drury

Drury, who came over to New York this past offseason as part of a three-team trade with the Diamondbacks and the Rays, is finally looking to make his return to the majors.

After hitting the DL with severe migraines and impaired vision, he spent an extended amount of time in the minors between AA and AAA.

That being said, whatever the concern was, it does not seem to be the case anymore. Drury has hit above par in AAA, with an OPS near 1.000 while also playing 81 innings at third base.

However, the area of concern for the newcomer may be with his fielding. He’s committed three errors in those 81 innings while in AAA which might show that something still isn’t right.

Even so, chances look slim that anything is continuing to affect Drury’s defense. The 25-year-old isn’t looked upon kindly on defense anyways; 11 errors in 2017, 3 in 2018 thus far to go along with -5 career defensive runs saved while playing third.

Expected return: TBD (If/when Andújar’s success halts)

Jacoby Ellsbury

Having a plethora of health issues at the moment, Ellsbury does not look to be returning anytime soon.

But perhaps it’s for the better. Excluding the veteran outfielder from the Yankees active roster not only leaves the Yankees with an extra roster spot for young talent but also leaves more playing time for the other five potential starting outfielders.

As of May 8th, Ellsbury began baseball activities, including hitting and running. Nonetheless, Ellsbury hasn’t played a game since October 17th of last season, and even that was as a pinch runner in the bottom of the eighth of game four against the Astros.

Expected return: Unknown (much later rather than sooner)

Clint Frazier

Another outfielder on this list, Frazier has been recalled from AAA Scranton in lieu of relief pitcher David Hale.

Frazier was sent on a rehab assignment, first with the Tampa Tarpons of the Florida State League before being placed on the Scranton squad. Although he started his rehab off cold in high A, he found his groove with the RailRiders.

With his exceptional .362 batting average, three home runs and two triples, Frazier looks as ready as ever to face Major League pitching.

Expected return: ASAP

There are a few more guys who still remain on the DL for the time being in Tommy Kahnle, Billy McKinney, and Adam Warren. All of these Yankees sit on the 10-day DL with less severe injuries, so the hope is that they can return at some point by the end of the month.

Next: Is Clint Frazier here to stay?

So while the Yankees sit atop the standings, reinforcements are on their way to make this team an even bigger powerhouse. How could Yankees’ fans not be enthusiastic about what else this season has to offer? Especially with such a packed roster; blockbuster trades could be expected.