As Major League Baseball returns for its 60-game season, the New York Yankees will be one of the top teams to watch. They are the second favorite just behind the Los Angeles Dodgers to win it all.
The biggest question the Yankees will have is their health, and that doesn’t count the coronavirus. The team hopes that Aaron Judge and other star players are clear of their previous injuries for the short season.
“We want these players to withstand a 60-game sprint over a 66-day schedule,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.
It won’t be the usual long schedule for these players, but there won’t be time to take games off either. The 60-game schedule provides a bit more excitement in every game since each one means so much more.
Injury Woes
The Yankees had 30 players on the injured list a total of 39 times last season. This was an MLB record.
“Ultimately, we’re in it to win it,” Cashman said, “and I think everybody else should be feeling the same way. And especially in a shortened season, I think it heightens the ability for anybody to really take a shot at the title.
“And so, therefore, how do they respond to this challenge remains to be seen, but I think it’s certainly going to open it up for a lot of opportunities for teams to take advantage of.”
The winningest club of all time is no stranger to the postseason, but they haven’t won quite like they were accustomed to in the 90s. They won in 2000 and captured their 27th World Series win in 2009.
Their opening matchup is going to be one of the best pitching duels in the sport. Newly signed Yankee Gerrit Cole will go up against Max Scherzer in what will certainly be a game to watch.
Judge’s Journey
The main star, Judge, didn’t play in any exhibition games this year. He had a rib injury and later said he had a collapsed lung. This was likely due to diving for a ball in a game late last season.
“We are very optimistic as of right now that maybe his proximation that he would be ready on Opening Day and in the lineup will ring true,” Cashman said. “So now it comes down to game reps and facing live pitching and seeing if he’s in game shape.”
The Bronx Bombers need for him and outfielder Giancarlo Stanton to be healthy to have one of the most powerful offenses in the league. Many guys in the batting order have the ability to take a pitcher very deep.
Cole will lead the rotation that includes James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, J.A. Happ, and possibly Jordan Montgomery as the fifth starter. Paxton is coming off an injury, but Cashman believes he will be ready by the time the season begins.
Luis Severino was already scheduled to be out this year when he got Tommy John surgery back in February.