Here is when all the injured Yanks are due back
When the Yankees' 2019 season is complete, a major theme will include how the team handled an unprecedented string of injuries that began in the spring and continued throughout the regular season, providing opportunities to numerous players who had not necessarily been envisioned as regulars.
In all, the Yankees have had 30 players land on the injured list, eclipsing a previous Major League record of 28, set by the Dodgers in 2016. Here's a rundown of the Yankees currently on the IL, in alphabetical order by last name, as well as estimated time frames for their returns.
Miguel Andújar, 3B
Expected return: 2020
Andújar underwent season-ending surgery on May 20 to repair a partially torn labrum in his right shoulder. He has been cleared to resume throwing on Sept. 9, and he will continue to increase activities throughout the offseason, which would allow him to be ready for Spring Training. (Updated: Sept. 4)
Jake Barrett, RHP
Expected return: 2020
Barrett felt discomfort in his right elbow while warming up during the second game of a May 25 doubleheader in Kansas City. He was diagnosed with a right flexor strain and has resumed throwing. Barrett was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 15 and is not expected to return this season. (Updated: Sept. 18)
Greg Bird, 1B
Expected return: 2020
Bird tore the plantar fascia in his left foot and was placed on the injured list April 16. Bird has been continuing to rehab at the Yankees’ complex in Florida, while moving in and out of a walking boot. Since Bird has been unable to fully resume baseball activities, it is unlikely that he will be able to return this year. (Updated: Sept. 4)
Jacoby Ellsbury, OF
Expected return: 2020
Ellsbury has not played in a Major League game since October 2017 due to a series of injuries, the most prominent of which was arthroscopic surgery to repair his left hip labrum last August. Ellsbury has been working out indoors at the Yankees’ complex in Tampa, Fla., and could resume on-field baseball activities at some point in September, though he is not expected to play in a game this year. (Updated: Sept. 7)
David Hale, RHP
Expected return: 2020
Hale was diagnosed with a lumbar spine strain after a July 26 appearance against the Red Sox in Boston. Hale threw 30 pitches in the bullpen on Aug. 8, but he experienced a setback and has been shut down from throwing again. Hale recently said that he has been frustrated by his lack of progress. The Yankees transferred Hale to the 60-day injured list on Sept. 1, and he is not expected to return this year. (Updated: Sept. 18)
Aaron Hicks, OF
Expected return: 2020
On the injured list since Aug. 4 with a right flexor strain, Hicks' season is likely over. Having recently sought a second opinion from Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, Hicks has returned to the Yankees’ complex in Tampa, where Hicks is in the early stages of a new throwing program. Should rehab fail, Hicks could be facing Tommy John surgery. (Updated: Sept. 17)
Jonathan Holder, RHP
Expected return: 2020
Holder landed on the 10-day injured list on Aug. 10 with right shoulder inflammation, and manager Aaron Boone said that the right-hander is dealing with a shoulder impingement. Holder said that the injury did not occur in one specific game, but rather has been building over time and has not allowed him to bounce back as he normally would. He began a throwing program on Sept. 2 but was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Sept. 15, and he is not expected to return this year. (Updated: Sept. 18)
Mike Tauchman, OF
Expected return: 2020
Tauchman landed on the 10-day injured list on Sept. 10 (retroactive to Sept. 9) with a left calf strain sustained while fielding a ground ball at Fenway Park. The estimated time frame for Tauchman’s recovery is six to eight weeks, meaning that if he is able to return at all this season, it would likely be for the World Series. Tauchman said that he has been receiving treatment to reduce swelling, but he has yet to resume baseball activities. (Updated: Sept. 18)