The New York Yankees have announced that outfielder Trent Grisham will be sidelined for at least 10 days after being placed on the injured list due to a right hamstring strain. This development comes as the Yankees look to navigate the final stretch of the regular season, which includes 21 remaining games.
Grisham, 29, exited Friday's game against the San Diego Padres in the second inning after attempting to steal second base following a walk against pitcher Walker Buehler. Although he initially continued to play, it became evident that he was struggling with his mobility. He was visibly laboring while trying to reach a bloop single hit by Xander Bogaerts, prompting a shift in the Yankees' defensive alignment as Spencer Jones moved from right field to center field in the third inning.
In a concerning turn of events, Grisham was unable to recover and left the game shortly after speaking with a trainer. This injury marks a repeat issue for Grisham, who had previously been on the injured list in mid-June due to a right hamstring problem, which kept him out for approximately three weeks. However, he clarified to reporters that this latest strain is in a different area of his leg, as reported by The Athletic's Chris Kirschner.
During the current season, Grisham has made a significant impact with 18 home runs, 19 doubles, and 59 RBIs, although his batting average stands at .211 with a .308 on-base percentage across 484 plate appearances. With Grisham out, the Yankees are likely to rely on Spencer Jones to fill the center field position for the remainder of the season. Jones has played 24 of his 61 games in center, making 16 starts, and has experience in the position from his minor league career.
In Friday's game, Heliot Ramos took over in right field after Jones shifted positions. Ramos was acquired from the San Francisco Giants at the MLB trade deadline and will continue to play as the Yankees adjust their lineup. Jasson Domínguez has also been recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take Grisham's roster spot and could see action in right field as well. Domínguez has played 41 games in that position this season, with a major league slash line of .230/.270/.380, compared to a more impressive .283/.361/.420 in the minors.
In a positive development for the Yankees, Aaron Judge is making strides toward his return from the injured list. The three-time American League MVP participated in on-field batting practice for the first time since suffering a stress fracture in his right rib cage. Judge also ran the bases and engaged in outfield drills, indicating that his return could be imminent. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has suggested that Judge may be activated during the team's upcoming homestand from September 8 to 13.
Judge has expressed a desire to avoid a minor league rehab assignment, and Boone confirmed that Judge is scheduled to face live pitching on Monday. Depending on his readiness, Judge may initially return to play in a limited capacity.
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