(New York, NY) – The New York Yankees are looking for a lift after losing four straight, and that could arrive tonight as the club’s starting center fielder is soon set to return.
Harrison Bader has completed his rehab stint and was reinstated from the injured list prior to last night’s game with the Cleveland Guardians. Manager Aaron Boone said Bader “looks good,” adding it’s possible he’s in the lineup this evening.
Bader suffered an oblique injury in early March that originally sent him to the IL. He started a rehab assignment on April 21 and has been gradually building back up since. Franchy Cordero was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in a corresponding move.
The Yankees acquired the center fielder from St. Louis at last year’s trade deadline for left-hander Jordan Montgomery.
Getting Bader back would represent opportune timing for New York, given fellow outfielder Aaron Judge was just forced to the IL due to a hip injury. He’s played seven minor league rehab games and went just 3-for-25, but the Yankees have liked the way he’s looked at the plate.
At this juncture, the depleted Bombers will take anyone with a pulse.