Yankees Notebook: Josh Donaldson likely heading to IL with hamstring injury
BALTIMORE — Nothing is official yet, but Josh Donaldson is “likely” heading to the injured list following the Yankees’ Friday loss to the Orioles, according to Aaron Boone.
An IL stint was a known possibility on Wednesday, when the third baseman hurt his right hamstring in the Yankees’ series finale against the Phillies. Donaldson stayed back in New York for a workout on Friday, though he has not had an MRI.
“We’ll make that call right at the end of the day,” Boone said before the game. “Don’t feel like it’s too serious, but enough that it would probably knock him down four or five days. So we’re gonna likely be cautious in this situation.”
The Yankees said after the game that an official move likely wouldn’t come until Saturday.
Donaldson is off to a quiet start this season, his second with the Yankees following an offensively disappointing debut campaign. The 37-year-old is hitting .125 with one home run over five games.
If Donaldson lands on the IL, Boone considers DJ LeMahieu his primary third baseman, though Oswaldo Cabrera and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are options, too. LeMahieu is manning the hot corner on Friday.
“DJ will get the bulk of that,” Boone said.
TAXI TIME
Jhony Brito is back with the Yankees. He joined the team in Baltimore Friday via the taxi squad and will start Saturday. Like Donaldson, no official move was ready to be announced following Friday’s game.
Brito is coming off a stellar big league debut on April 2. The 25-year-old righty held the Giants scoreless over five innings while striking out six. However, the Yankees sent him to Triple-A after the game for logistical reasons.
INJURY REPORT
Luis Severino, who is in Baltimore, threw at 120 feet on Thursday. The plan is for him to throw a bullpen Sunday, his first since injuring his lat at the end of spring training.
Carlos Rodon, meanwhile, is set to throw live batting practice on Monday as he continues to progress from a left forearm strain.
Boone also reiterated that the team believes Michael King is healthy after a few rough outings to open the season. The pitcher previously said that he believes his diminished velocity is due to mechanical issues.
FLORIAL FALLS THROUGH THE CRACKS
The Yankees outrighted Estevan Florial to Triple-A prior to Friday’s game. Designated for assignment on April 1, Florial went unclaimed on waivers.
While Florial has never had big league success offensively — over limited opportunities — it’s a bit surprising that no one took a chance on the speedy outfielder. Florial is a strong defender, and he’s shown pop in the minor leagues.
