Miguel Andújar was held back by pain in his right / wrist area and will visit a specialist tomorrow, Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters (including Marly Rivera from ESPN and Lindsey Adler of the Athletic). This evaluation will certainly provide a clearer diagnosis and timetable for the return of Andújar to action, but it seems to leave out the possibility of a season-opening IL strike. Andújar has not played much for the past two years after a strong rookie season in 2018. The 26-year-old has been frequently mentioned as a possible candidate due to the offensive front he showed a few years ago and his lack to clear path to playing time in New York. However, the Yankees can still keep him as a small minor depth, as Andújar still has an option year.
More from the East sections of the game:
- Co Yankee Robinson Chirinos will also see a specialist tomorrow if he seeks a second opinion on his broken right wrist (via Rivera and Bryan Hoch of MLB.com). According to Hoch, surgery is possible. Chirinos was invited into the camp as a non-roster. The 36-year-old catcher is usually a prolific hitter for his position, but struggled in 82 record appearances between the Rangers and Mets in 2020.
- Red Sox lightener Ryan Brasier seems unlikely to be ready for the opening day, by Chris Cotillo of MassLive and Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. The manager, Alex Cora, revealed this morning that Brasier broke a little finger during the off-season and was also absent early in the camp for personal reasons. The few obstacles have delayed his start-up process, and it does not look like he will be able to build up enough power in time for April 1st. The right hand placed a decent 3.96 ERA / 3.86 SIERA over 25 overs last week. season.
- Another relief delayed by an injury is Subjects right hand Tanner Rainey. The 28-year-old fireball has to pick up another Spring Training match due to a slight muscle strain near his right leg, writes Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post. However, he was able to complete a 30-ton bullpen session yesterday. Washington manager Dave Martinez has expressed hope that Rainey will be able to do it on the first day, but it does not appear to be certain. Rainey was quietly excellent for the Nats last season, throwing 20.1 overs of 2.66 ERA / 2.30 SIERA ball.