The New York Yankees’ infield dynamics suffered a setback on Sunday when veteran Jon Berti entered the locker room on crutches and wearing a walking boot, indicating a significant calf strain that might keep him out for several weeks.
Berti’s Role and Injury Impact
Berti, who was acquired from the Miami Marlins at the start of the 2024 season, has been finding his groove, with a.273 batting average and.322 on-base percentage. His efforts included one home run, six RBIs, and a 91 wRC+, establishing him as a vital player both at the plate and on the field.
However, his good start has been derailed by a “high-grade” calf injury, as defined by manager Aaron Boone, which occurred after Berti grounded out in the ninth inning of Friday night’s game.
Berti has already recovered from a groin injury this season. While the Yankees anticipate his rehabilitation, the timing is not ideal.
Adjusting the Yankees’ infield during Berti’s absence
With DJ LeMahieu due to return from his rehab assignment and retake his normal position as early as Tuesday, the Yankees have options for managing Berti’s absence. LeMahieu’s return is opportune, giving the Yankees some much-needed consistency at third base. In addition, Oswaldo Cabrera will be LeMahieu’s backup at third.
The Yankees intend to take advantage of LeMahieu’s versatility, maybe providing first baseman Anthony Rizzo some much-needed break. This deliberate infield rotation enables the team to better manage player fatigue, allowing crucial players such as Rizzo to recuperate from minor ailments without missing substantial time on the field.
As the Yankees face these hurdles, their roster’s versatility and depth will be critical to preserving their competitive edge during Berti’s recuperation.
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