Yankees pre-Opening Day injury update

For a team with World Series aspirations, Spring Training wasn’t so kind in regards to the number of key players injured. Now just two days away from the start of the 2019 season, here’s an update on the health of the Yankees.

Naturally, the Yankees went out this winter and added a few pieces to the puzzle that is raising a 28h World Series trophy. However, as we all know, injuries are a part of the game and usually strike without warning (perhaps except in the case of Jacoby Ellsbury, more on him in a bit).

As rotten luck would have, almost immediately after handing presumptive Opening Day starter Luis Severino a four-year, $40 million extension (can reach as much as $52M with incentives), the 24-year-old right-hander was shut down with inflammation in his rotator cuff.

While it’s always scary to hear about a pitcher having any discomfort in that part of the body, the Yankees believe he should return to action within five weeks — give or take around May 1. On Monday, Sevy took the next step in his ascension to the mound, throwing from 120 feet.

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Though he’ll likely need two minor league starts before arriving back in the Bronx, barring any setbacks, there’s no reason Severino shouldn’t return to the top of the rotation — right where the Yanks need him.

As for the other player that was handed a lucrative contract extension, Aaron Hicks inked a seven-year, $70 million deal and soon after injured his lower back.

While Hicks contends that he’ll return in time for the start of the second week of the regular season, he hasn’t played in a game since March 2.

Two cortisone shots later and Hicks is said to be feeling better according to manager Aaron Boone — as told to NJ.com.

"“He said he’s feeling really good. Just kind of going through core strengthening stuff right now. So, I don’t know what the next couple of days are, but I feel like it’s out of there now. Just make sure to go and then baseball activities. But I don’t have a day for you on when he’s starting that.”"

Pertaining to the curious case of Jacoby Ellsbury, who is recovering from offseason hip surgery, Boone says Ellsbury is doing some light work — hitting off a tee, some throwing, defensive work right at him. Your guess is as good as any if and when we see Ells back in a pinstriped uni.

C.C. Sabathia, who is still on the mend from knee surgery and an angioplasty, is expected to be placed on the initial Opening Day roster as to serve his five-game suspension from last season. Immediately proceeding that, Sabathia will be moved to the injured list. Sneaky, sneaky.

While it would give the Yanks a disadvantage in terms of one less viable player, there is a day off in between the first and second series’ of the season — and it completes the suspension.

Thus far, Sabathia has been limited to simulated games and two innings of a Triple-A game last Thursday. He is expected to pitch on Tuesday and could be back with the club within 2-3 weeks.

Finally, there is setup man Dellin Betances and the impingement in his right shoulder. Arriving late to camp due to the birth of his child and probably doing too much too soon likely led to the injury.

Fortunately, all signs point to Betances feeling better after beginning a throwing program, though his return date is still undetermined.