Injuries & Moves: Rizzo faces live pitching
LATEST NEWS
INJURY UPDATES
10-day and 15-day IL
1B Anthony Rizzo (post-concussion syndrome)
Expected return: TBD
Rizzo took live at-bats against right-hander Luis Gil at the Yankees’ spring complex in Tampa, Fla., on Aug. 26 and came through the session well, according to manager Aaron Boone. It marked the first time that Rizzo has faced live pitching since Aug. 1, the day before he was diagnosed with cognitive impairment after undergoing testing following complaints of “fogginess.”
According to Rizzo, doctors believe that his issues can be traced to a May 28 collision with the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. Rizzo is being treated with supplements and video exercises.
Boone has said that Rizzo, who was placed on the IL on Aug. 3, will be evaluated “week to week.” He added on Aug. 23 that “it's realistic” to think that the 34-year-old could return this season. Rizzo resumed hitting drills that day, working off a tee and taking solo batting practice on the field at Yankee Stadium. (Last updated: Aug. 26)
OF Billy McKinney (left lower back spasm)
Expected return: TBD
McKinney was out of the Yankees' lineup on Aug. 19 with back stiffness, but he started the next day's series finale vs. the Red Sox, going 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored while playing left field. Manager Aaron Boone said on Aug. 22 that it's still a "lingering issue" for McKinney, and the outfielder was placed on the 10-day IL, retroactive to Aug. 21. (Last updated: Aug. 22)
LHP Nestor Cortes (left rotator cuff strain)
Expected return: TBD
Cortes underwent an MRI on Aug. 10 after being unable to play catch, which showed a re-aggravation of the left rotator cuff strain that cost him two months earlier this season. Cortes will not throw for approximately three to four weeks before being re-evaluated, which manager Aaron Boone said would make it difficult for him to return during the regular season. More >> (Last updated: Aug. 11)
60-day IL
RHP Luis Gil (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2024
Gil underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2022 and has returned to tossing live batting practice at the Yankees’ spring complex in Tampa, Fla., though he is not expected to make it back to the Majors in 2023. Gil resumed throwing in the bullpen on May 19 in Tampa. He was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 30. (Last updated: Aug. 26)
RHP Scott Effross (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2024
Effross underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2022 and began a throwing program on March 6. Effross has been working out at the Yankees’ complex in Tampa, Fla., and said on Aug. 12 that he is looking forward to throwing some live batting practice sessions in September and early October. He said that “if everything continues on the same track, then definitely” he will be ready for Spring Training in ’24. Effross was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 30. (Last updated: Aug. 13)
RHP Frankie Montas (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: 2024
Montas began a throwing program on May 30, according to pitching coach Matt Blake. Montas saw Dr. Neal ElAttrache for a follow-up visit on July 17, and everything is said to be looking good, manager Aaron Boone said. Boone said on Aug. 11 that Montas remains in a throwing program, but there is “nothing major” occurring in his recovery. It is unlikely that Montas will pitch in the Majors this season.
Montas underwent arthroscopic surgery on Feb. 21 in Los Angeles, a procedure performed by ElAttrache, who cleaned up the hurler’s labrum. Recurring inflammation in the shoulder affected Montas last season with the Athletics and Yankees, and he said that he “wasn’t fully 100 percent” when New York acquired him in a six-player trade on Aug. 1. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on April 3. (Last updated: Aug. 11)
C Jose Trevino (right wrist tear)
Expected return: 2024
Trevino had season-ending surgery to repair a torn TFCC ligament in his right wrist on July 27. Trevino said that he has been playing through the injury since Spring Training and knew that surgery was inevitable, but he had hoped to get through the season. Generally speaking, the recovery time for surgery is approximately 12 weeks. The Yankees placed Trevino on the 10-day injured list on July 21, retroactive to July 18. (Last updated: July 28)
RHP Ryan Weber (right forearm strain)
Expected return: TBD
Weber has opted for a conservative route of treatment that will include a platelet-rich plasma injection and rehab. Season-ending Tommy John surgery remains a possibility. Weber felt discomfort near his right forearm and elbow during a June 2 appearance against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, especially after snapping off an eighth-inning slider to Miguel Rojas.
“I wasn’t myself out there toward the end of the outing, and I felt like I couldn’t compete with what was going on,” Weber said. “I had to speak up, and definitely something is barking in there.”
Weber underwent an MRI on June 3, when he was placed on the 15-day injured list. He was examined by Dr. Christopher Ahmad in New York on June 6. “We all know what it could be, but I’m not going to think any of that right now,” Weber said. (Last updated: June 13)
RHP Lou Trivino (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2024
Trivino underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery on May 3 in Los Angeles, with Dr. Neal ElAttrache performing the procedure. Trivino experienced discomfort near his right elbow after an April live batting practice session, which shut him down from throwing. He saw team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad in New York on April 26 and traveled to Los Angeles for a second opinion on May 1. (Last updated: May 3)