Yankees News: Team Doctor Warns of Players Being Out of Shape During Pandemic

The 2020 MLB season is set to return, but the Yankees team doctor has a warning for fans.

One would think the extra time off is helping Major League Baseball players get some rest, heal their injuries, stay in shape with their own routines, and get their mind right for whenever the 2020 season is set to begin.

However, according to New York Yankees team doctor Chris Ahmad, it could very well be quite the opposite. While there’s no doubt some players have been religious in their routines and workouts, there’s a more likely chance many have not been. Does that really surprise us?

Ahmad compared this quarantine for MLB players to the “freshman 15.”

“The freshman 15 pounds, it’s now the COVID 15 pounds,” Ahmad told the Boston Globe. “There’s something about being socially isolated that makes it harder to stay in shape, be in shape, and prepare.”

Not only that, but Ahmad believes pitchers will face a bigger risk in their return when it comes to elbow injuries. Because of the extended time off without the usual training to get back into the swing of things, Ahmad says, “The sudden start of play, rapid competition intensity, lack of early season physical conditioning, lower preparation coming from offseason, not yet fully optimized throwing mechanics, and playing with elbow pain” could all be unfortunate side effects.

Not to spook Yankee fans, but the LAST thing this team needs is another elbow issue or Tommy John surgery.

One can only hope Ahmad’s medical perspective on the matter doesn’t end up being true, or else we could be watching a shortened, lagging season filled with injuries.