New York Yankees: Can the “next man up” mentality carry them again?

In 2019, it became almost comical how many players the Yankees had to put on the IL over the course of the season. They set a major league record with 39 IL stints between 30 players and yet they still managed to win 103 games and the American League East running away. 

Fortunately for the Yankees, they had a year in which they had players step up and assume important roles where they produced. This year it sure looks like they’re about to go down that same road to begin the season.

Luis Severino is done for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery two weeks ago while Aaron Hicks could be out until the All-Star break as he continues to rehab his way back from the same surgery. James Paxton won’t return until May or June following back surgery on February 5th. Giancarlo Stanton (calf strain) and Aaron Judge (fractured rib) will also begin the season on the IL. With all these injuries to key players can the Yanks survive another season with the “Next Man Up” motto?

Last season the Yanks got some huge contributions from players I don’t think anybody was expecting a lot from entering the season. Mike Tauchman hit .277 with 13 home runs and 47 RBI in 87 games and played terrific defense wherever he was put in the outfield. Gio Urshela filled in at third base for Miguel Andujar and played outstanding defense and batted .314 with 21 home runs and 74 RBI. Not bad for someone who was given up on by the Blue Jays and Indians.

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DJ LeMahieu was a solid offseason addition but he far exceeded expectations by playing like a legit MVP candidate hitting .327 with 26 home runs and 102 RBI. He hit .389 with RISP, had an on-base percentage of .375 and slugged .893 from primarily the leadoff spot.

All three players should play big roles again this season and Andujar will be back as well but when will the walking wounded return? We have an idea of what their timetables might be, but really it’s anyone’s guess.

Entering spring training, things were looking so good for New York after having one of the best offseasons in franchise history. With the addition of Gerrit Cole, they were the clear favorites to repeat as AL East champs and win the AL pennant. Now, with all their injuries that might not be as much of a sure thing.

It makes you wonder if this Yankee team will ever get close to being at full strength all season? On paper, they still have one of the most talented rosters in baseball and the depth to overcome most of the injuries but it’s going to be a lot harder to have a repeat of last season.