Yankees Suffer Another Worrisome Injury Blow.
This type of injury update is exactly what drives Yankees fans crazy. Paul Goldschmidt, the 37-year-old first baseman and former NL MVP, was initially expected to return Wednesday after exiting Monday’s game with a back issue. However, as reported by Greg Joyce of the New York Post, Yankees manager Aaron Boone has pushed Goldschmidt’s return to Friday—provided he can get through baseball activities on Thursday without any problems.
This delay adds another layer of uncertainty to what has already been an injury-riddled spring for the Yankees. Given their recent history with injuries, even minor setbacks feel like warning signs. Goldschmidt played only three innings Monday and initially dismissed concerns about missing Opening Day. Now, his return is scheduled just six days before the Yankees kick off the season against the Brewers at Yankee Stadium.
At 37, any lingering back issue is worth monitoring, even if it doesn’t seem serious yet. The Yankees acquired Goldschmidt this offseason to stabilize their lineup both offensively and defensively. While there’s still time for him to be ready for Opening Day, back problems can be unpredictable—especially for older players.
And let’s face it—the Yankees’ injury luck hasn’t been great. Gerrit Cole is already out for the season following Tommy John surgery. Luis Gil is out for months with a lat strain. Clarke Schmidt could land on the IL with a sore shoulder. Carlos Rodón remains an uncertainty. And that’s just the pitching staff. Now, their starting first baseman is also dealing with an injury.
The Yankees are counting on Goldschmidt to be a key offensive piece, but if this back issue persists—or worsens—it could be a major problem, particularly with Giancarlo Stanton also sidelined due to tendinitis in both elbows. For now, Boone and the Yankees are downplaying the situation. But if Friday passes without Goldschmidt back in the lineup, concerns in the Bronx will only grow louder.
