Gleyber's timeline 2-3 weeks; Paxton resting

NEW YORK -- The Yankees overhauled their strength and conditioning program this past winter, hoping to avoid a repeat of their injury-marred “Next Man Up” storyline from 2019. One month into the 2020 campaign, they are inarguably participating in a sequel.

The club announced on Friday that infielder Gleyber Torres, left-hander James Paxton and left-hander Luis Avilán were all headed to the 10-day injured list after sustaining injuries during Thursday’s 10-5 loss to the Rays at Yankee Stadium. Torres is expected to return in two to three weeks from his Grade 1 left quad and hamstring strains, manager Aaron Boone said on Saturday.

Torres, who stumbled while running to first base on an RBI groundout in the third inning on Thursday, is batting .231/.341/.295 with two doubles, one homer and six RBIs over 24 games in his first full season as the Yanks’ shortstop.

The timeline is less clear for Paxton, who will not throw for 14 days due to a Grade 1 strain of his left forearm flexor, Boone said. There is no decision yet on how the Yankees will fill Paxton's spot in the rotation, but Boone mentioned Michael King, Nick Nelson and Jonathan Loaisiga as candidates.

Surgery is not thought to be necessary at the moment for Paxton, a positive development considering the left-hander complained of tightness in his elbow and forearm after exiting Thursday's game. The 31-year-old is 1-1 with a 6.64 ERA in five starts this season. He has exhibited flashes of dominance throughout a career that has seen him post a career record of 57-33 with a 3.58 ERA in 136 starts for the Mariners (2013-18) and Yankees ('19-20), but his career has been pockmarked by numerous injuries. He underwent lower back surgery in February.

Avilán was also sent for an MRI on Thursday, resulting in a diagnosis of left shoulder inflammation. The 31-year-old Avilán has pitched to a 4.32 ERA in 10 appearances after making the Yankees’ Opening Day roster. All of the examinations were performed at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

With two spots on the pitching staff to fill, the Yankees could plug the vacancy in their rotation by promoting Clarke Schmidt. The Yanks’ No. 2 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Schmidt impressed during Summer Camp, and the reports on him from the alternate site in Moosic, Pa., continue to be strong, Boone said. There is the complication, however, that Schmidt isn't currently on the Yankees' roster.

Loaisiga and King, both right-handers, are both on the active roster, while righty Deivi García, the club’s No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, is thought to be less polished than Schmidt at this time.

The Yankees also acquired right-hander Addison Russ from the Phillies on Friday in exchange for right-hander David Hale. Russ, 25, was 5-6 with a 2.54 ERA in 55 relief appearances at Double-A Reading last season. He is expected to report to the Yankees’ alternate training site.

After Torres exited on Thursday, the Yankees’ middle infield consisted of Thairo Estrada at second base and Tyler Wade at shortstop. The club could proceed with those players in starting roles. Their choices at the alternate training site include infielders Matt Duffy and Kyle Holder, plus veteran Jordy Mercer, who signed a Minor League contract this week.

Avilán, Paxton and Torres will join left-hander Zack Britton, catcher Kyle Higashioka, outfielder Aaron Judge, infielder DJ LeMahieu and Stanton on the 10-day IL. The Yankees have also lost right-handers Tommy Kahnle and Luis Severino to season-ending surgeries. The 2019 Yankees had 30 players serve 39 stints on the IL, setting Major League records.

“Obviously it's a part of the game, but it’s crazy that it's happening again,” first baseman Luke Voit said on Thursday. “But you know what? We’re going to fight through it.”