This Yankee’s Rehab Could Take Him Out Of New York
Injuries have piled up for the New York Yankees this season. However, Carlos Rodón, Giancarlo Stanton and Josh Donaldson are all getting closer to returning to the Major League roster. That leaves the question, which players will be going?
With left-handed starting pitcher Carlos Rodón inching his way back to the starting rotation, GM Brian Cashman has several pitchers with minor league "options" to choose from. When Stanton returns in a few days, it is likely that Franchy Cordero will be sent packing from New York. What about Josh Donaldson? Which player will be jettisoned from the Bronx to make room for the veteran third-baseman?
The 37-year old power-hitter has had a slow recovery from his April 5th hamstring injury. “It’s taking a little bit longer, but right now, I feel good.” Donaldson told Andrew Crane of nypost.com. It may be an uphill battle for the swift-fielding third-baseman to get back into the Yankees line-up. Should Donaldson, who had 2 hits in 16 at-bats to start the 2023 season, replace DJ LeMahieu? Or Gleyber Torres? Or even Isiah Kiner-Falefa? Statistically, all are better options in Aaron Boone's line-up than Donaldson right now.
Could GM Brian Cashman start showcasing the veteran, who has about $15 million remaining on his contract this year? “I think every day that you wear a uniform, you have a unique opportunity to go out there and compete and earn your position,” Donaldson told nypost.com. “I’ve never been someone that’s really been given anything, so for me, it’s not abnormal to go out there and earn it as well.” Donaldson will get an opportunity to prove his value to the Pinstripes executives. However, the focus for Cashman and his front office brass may be the development of Donaldson's "trade value" after he returns to the field.