New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone says he’s “optimistic” both Edwin Encarnación and Gary Sanchez will be able to return before the end of the season, one day after the sluggers were injured in separate games of a doubleheader victory over Detroit.
The news was clearer for New York’s pitching staff. Right-hander Luis Severino, who hasn’t pitched this season because of shoulder soreness, is expected to make his debut Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, and left-hander Jordan Montgomery will return from elbow surgery to face Toronto on Sunday, possibly following an opener. Montgomery hasn’t pitched in the majors since May 1, 2018.
Left-hander J.A. Happ had a cortisone injection in his troublesome left biceps muscle Friday and is expected to pitch against the Angels next week. Happ pitched 4 2/3 innings against the Tigers on Thursday before being replaced by Chad Green. Happ said afterward that he’s been bothered by biceps tendinitis for his past few starts.
It’s been an injury-plagued season for the AL East-leading Yankees, with 30 players making 38 trips to the injured list. That’s the highest total in the major leagues in at least 15 seasons.
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