TWO DAYS TO GO AND A COLLECTIVE SIGH OF RELIEF

Spring Training 2019 is just about in the books, technically speaking, since the last game played was yesterday and teams are now inbound to their first day sites for Opening Day.  With two days to go, the Yankees averted an injury scare and we all breathed a collective sigh of relief in response!

Source: Brynn Anderson | AP

"He just got hit in the pec there,” Boone said after a 5-3 exhibition loss to the Nationals at Nationals Park on Monday night. “It was nothing.” Starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez hit  (Miguel)Andujar with an 87-mph cutter in the chest to lead off the inning. Andujar leaped back in the batter’s box and raised his arms, but the ball went under his left arm and hit him," reported NJ.com

Miggie stayed in the game after being hit by a pitch but he was quickly removed between innings.  Phew.  There was an article out earlier today from fellow blogger Pinstripe Alley that suggested through its headline, "Are the Yankees really an injury-prone team?" and this last blow at the last spring training game of 2019 does make you feel that perhaps the Yankees are.

Source: Butch Dill | USA TODAY Sports

"The Yankees will start with several players on the disabled list: Luis Severino (shoulder), CC Sabathia (knee), Didi Gregorius (Tommy John surgery), Dellin Betances (shoulder), Aaron Hicks (back), Jordan Montgomery (Tommy John surgery) and Jacoby Ellsbury (hip)," reported NJ.com.  These injuries are no joke and recall the Aaron Judge wrist injury that sucked up most of the summer months for our rising star right fielder. 

Injuries are part of the game.  Some can be avoided with good overall health management, diet and exercise balance and stress relieving activities.  It is a long season.  We all know this.  Baseball players deal with seasonal changes (the 162 games span three seasons), travel and time zone shifts and sleeping away from their families and home.  It is all part of the game, but these things do put anyone at risk for injuries. 

Source: Sports Illustrated

On a positive note, the Yankees will field a terrific team against the Orioles this upcoming opening day of 2019.  They have grit, they have determination and the desire to win.  Two days to go and the Yankees are ready to fight for what they came for: A World Series Championship for the Bronx and removal of the Red Sox from a helm they have had too long.  Let's go!

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof