Another key player for the 2019 New York Yankees is heading to the injured list. This time, it’s third baseman Gio Urshela.
Injuries have been a theme for the New York Yankees all season. When one starter goes down, it’s time for someone else to step up. Gio Urshela stepped up in a big way when Miguel Andujar was lost for the season, but now he’s going to be sidelined as well.
The Yankees announced on Friday that Urshela was going to the 10-day injured list with a sore left groin. Urshela’s injury is retroactive to Aug. 29.
The 27-year-old third baseman was in contention to win a batting title. He’s currently slashing .331/.370/.555 with 18 home runs and 67 RBIs. However, with this IL stint, it’s unlikely he reaches the requisite number of at-bats to qualify for the achievement.
DJ LeMahieu will likely slide into Urshela’s spot at third base. He’s already played the position in 38 games this year. LeMahieu’s versatility has been a godsend for manager Aaron Boone. With all the injuries to the infield, LeMahieu has seamlessly shifted between third, second, and first base.
The move clears a roster spot for Luke Voit, who made his last appearance with the Yanks on July 30. The massive first baseman was once an afterthought on the roster before his August and September explosion in the Bronx in 2018.
Although Mike Ford is swinging an exceptionally hot bat, Voit is going to be the Yankees’ everyday first baseman for the stretch run in September and October.
New York begins a three-game set with the Oakland Athletics at Yankee Stadium on Friday.
