ANOTHER ONE (OR TWO) BITES THE DUST.....

Oh what bad luck!

(April 9, 2017 - Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

It's only April! It's not even two weeks into the season and that evil injury bug is already lingering around this team. The older, veteran Yankees teams had this problem and it was something we were just used to. Now we have a bunch of young kids who are athletic and durable yet still this team just can't catch a break. It's driving me crazy!

(April 11, 2017 - Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

The highlights from last night's game should've been all about the kids. It looks like any concerns about Aaron Judge and his temporary slump can be put to rest for now. He hit his third home run in three games and looks comfortable. It's just exciting to watch, but he still wasn't the headline.

(April 11, 2017 - Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)    

So what about Jordan Montgomery and his major league debut? That should also be a headline. He really did show the Yankees WHY he deserves this chance as a starter. Spring Training wasn't just a few lucky appearances because we saw the same JoMo from spring show up in the Bronx. He looked confident out there and struck out seven over four and two-thirds innings and allowed two runs. He even struck out the first two batters he faced.....but all of that has been overshadowed by that evil injury bug once again.

I'm ready for this bug to go away. We already lost Gary Sanchez, we need the mercy rule right about now! It was just supposed to be a routine switch when Brett Gardner pinch hit in the sixth inning for Pete Kozma. What happened though was far from routine and he collided with Rays first baseman Rickie Weeks who was trying to snag a bad throw by pitcher Xavier Cedeno. It looked ugly, in fact Brian Cashman said it looked like "two Mack Trucks collided" read that and more HERE.

(April 11, 2017 - Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

Minutes felt like hours as Gardner laid on the bag motionless....well at least for me. Then after the game Gardner managed to sneak out of the clubhouse without a comment about his bruised jaw. Early tests showed no signs of any concussion symptoms but he is not in the clear yet. The Yankees will do more tests tomorrow. I feel like I should be crossing my fingers, toes, legs, and eyes in hopes that there are no serious and long term affects from this and Gardy returns sooner rather than later.

The bad news doesn't stop there I'm afraid. We finally got more updates for James Kaprielian....and it isn't good. On Monday we wrote BAD LUCK BASEBALL: KAPRIELIAN HAS A SETBACK hoping for some good news.

Unfortunately, Brian Cashman confirmed that ElAttrache had reached the same conclusion that the Yankees team doctors did which was have Tommy John surgery or try to pitch through the pain. The Yankees were going to give him a day or two to think about it before giving them his decision. As badly as I want to see this kid pitch I don't want him to pitch injured. He has many years left in his career and I want to see him at his best and healthy. It just sucks when you have waited this long. He already missed last year....how can you not feel for the kid?

This injury bug needs to beat it. We've had enough! Go mess with some other team, preferably the Red Sox! All hope is not lost though. Cross your fingers Yankee fans.....Greg Bird may be back today! At least I am hoping and praying he will be.....

PLEASE! Stay positive everyone, this too shall pass. GO YANKEES!

--Jeana Bellezza
BYB Managing Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @NYPrincessJ

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