Did Yankees mislead fans with injury news and bury Chase Hampton development?

Even when there isn't a time to conceivably get injured, the New York Yankees figure out a way to have disheartening injury news reach their fans. We implore you to religiously follow any other organization and report back, because the Yankees are the only team this consistently happens to.

Wondering where Chase Hampton has been? The Yankees' No. 4 overall prospect and top pitching prospect was reassigned to minor-league camp back on March 4. He was never expected to make the Opening Day roster, but there was a silent fist pump when he wasn't traded in the Juan Soto deal.

Great work Brian Cashman! Feels good! That Soto trade is looking better and better by the day, isn't it?!

Not so fast! Hampton somewhat secretly hasn't pitched since Feb. 27 and fans found out on Wednesday -- via an MLB Pipeline prospect ranking list!! -- that the right-hander has been dealing with shoulder discomfort.

Wait a second?! The Yankees hiding injury news? The Yankees misleading fans with injury developments? Ever heard of that happening?

Yankees once again mislead fans with injury news and bury Chase Hampton development

The first we're hearing about this! Opening Day is on Thursday! Hampton was expected to start the season at Double-A, so it's not like this is a massive loss, but it was believed he could be fast-tracked to Triple-A and make his MLB debut by the end of the year since this pitching staff is going to need any and all reinforcements as the season progresses.

Perhaps it's our fault for not noticing Hampton wasn't involved in the Spring Breakout showcase a couple weeks ago. Perhaps it's our fault not realizing Hampton's lone outing occurred exactly a month ago, where he threw just 13 pitches, never to be seen again.

Equally concerning, however, is the fact no Yankees reporter shined light on this? Nobody down at spring training asked questions about Hampton's whereabouts? Admittedly, there's been a lot to parse through with the Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, DJ LeMahieu and Oswald Peraza injuries, but Hampton now missing a month with a shoulder issue represents a double whammy because of all the pitching depth the Yankees lost in the Soto trade.

Fans have no choice but to wait and see what happens, but it really feels like the trade deadline will make or break the 2024 campaign.