The New York Yankees have been dealing with injuries to key players before the season began, and the injury issues have not let up in 2013. Michael Brown of Pinstriped Bible points out that Robinson Cano is the only quality player in the lineup who has yet to miss time this year, and there's still two weeks left in the season.
New York has managed to remain competitive despite the the injury issues; the team enters Monday with a 79-71 record, three games behind the Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers in the AL Wild Card. The Yankees hope some of their key players can return from injury and help the team make one final push for a post-season bid:
Rodriguez plans to return Tuesday
Alex Rodriguez plans to return to the Yankees lineup on Tuesday, reports Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. The third baseman has been battling a tight left hamstring and a sore right calf.
New York has an off-day on Monday, which Rodriguez will use to undergo treatment. The Yankees will face the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, and Rodriguez hopes to at least re-enter the lineup at designated hitter. Joe Girardi had originally hoped that Rodriguez could play third base, but is now not sure if he could handle playing in the field.
Soriano rejoins lineup despite sprained thumb
Alfonso Soriano played in Sunday's 5-1 loss against the Boston Red Sox despite a sprained right thumb, according to Erik Boland of the Long Island Newsday. He originally injured his thumb Thursday making a diving catch against the Baltimore Orioles.
Soriano admitted that if the Yankees weren't in the middle of a pennant race, he would take some time off to properly heal. The outfielder has been a key contributor to the Yankees lineup since joining the team in July, batting .254 with 15 homers and 47 RBI.
Gardner hopes to return before end of season
Brett Gardner wants to return to the Yankees lineup before the end of the season, but is not sure if his strained left oblique will heal in time, writes Hoch. Gardner discussed the injury with the reporter, stating:
"We're running out of time, and the only way I can come back is if I'm at 100 percent. Hopefully I get there, but we'll see. It all depends on how quickly I heal and how well I take care of it."
Gardner had served as the team's primary center fielder and leadoff man. Curtis Granderson has replaced Gardner in the field and at the top of the lineup.
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