Injuries have forced the New York Yankees to patch together their outfield alignment to start the season. They have seen eight different players play the outfield this year. Only Aaron Judge has been in the lineup daily, though two of his 18 starts came as the designated hitter.
The Yankees could get some relief soon, as Harrison Bader will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset on Friday.
Bader began the season on the injured list since suffering an oblique strain during spring training.
While it’s likely Bader will need some time before he’ll be ready to join the MLB club, considering he essentially missed all of spring training, his beginning a rehab assignment is a welcome sign for the Yankees. Bader’s defensive value is significant and having him back in the lineup will help on multiple fronts, including allowing Judge to move back to right field.
Bader’s return could also trigger a move many Yankees fans have been looking for the team to do for some time now — move on from Aaron Hicks.
Injured with plantar fasciitis when he was acquired at last summer’s trade deadline from the St. Louis Cardinals, Bader only has gotten into 14 regular season games in his career with New York. Bader had 10 hits in 49 at-bats for a .217/.245/.283 line.
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