The New York Yankees are down an infielder at least in the short term.
Paul Goldschmidt reportedly sustained a knee sprain in New York’s win against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday and may need to go on the injured list.
Goldschmidt, who signed a one-year contract with the Yankees in the off-season, has been in a platoon with Ben Rice at first base for much of the season. He is slashing .276/.331/.422 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs and is third on the Yankees in runs (65) this season.
New York is 64-57 and sits in the final American League playoff spot, leading the Cleveland Guardians by one game. The Yankees trail the Boston Red Sox by 1.5 games for the No. 2 wild card and sit six games back of the first-place Toronto Blue Jays for the AL East lead.
What Happened To Paul Goldschmidt?
Goldschmidt injured his knee while catching a pop-up in the third inning of the Yankees’ 9-1 win over the Twins.
He appeared to bang his knee on the dirt, and although he stayed in and went 1 for 4 with a run scored, he left the game in the eighth inning.
“I donât think itâs anything long term,” Goldschmidt told The Athletic after New Yorkâs loss to the Twins on Wednesday.
The injury was revealed during manager Aaron Boone’s press availability when asked why Goldschmidt did not pinch hit for Austin Wells in the eighth inning — New York was trailing by three runs, and Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli had brought in left-hander Kody Funderburk to face Wells.
“Weâll just kind of see here over the next 24 hours which way weâll go with it,” Boone said, referencing whether he would go on the IL or not.
The timing is not great for Goldschmidt, since the Yankees are going to St. Louis this weekend — where the veteran played six season and won a Gold Glove in 2021 and was named National League MVP in 2022.
But New York is off Thursday, which could help Goldschmidt’s ability to get back on the field.
“Weâll see how it feels with the off day,” Goldschmidt said. “Weâll see what happens. I donât have an answer [on how long heâll be out]. ⦠Hopefully itâll be as quick as possible, and Iâll do everything I can to make that happen.”
Who Will The Yankees Call Up If Paul Goldschmidt Goes On the IL?
The injury could open up the Yankees’ crowded outfield, especially with Aaron Judge potentially available to start playing right field in the coming days.
Rice has been solid but struggles against left-handers, proven by his .187 batting average and .645 OPS against southpaws. Cody Bellinger, who hits lefties well, is likely to play first against left-handers in Goldschmidt’s absence, but even he realizes there would be a drop off if he played there.
“Heâs been a huge part of this team,” Bellinger said, according to The Athletic. âHeâs a vacuum over there at first base, as well. Iâve played first before and I really appreciate what he does on the defensive side.”
If Goldschmidt goes on the IL, there are minor-league options to replace him, plus Amed Rosario is expected to come off the IL after he injured his shoulder earlier this week.
Still, if Goldschmidt goes out, even for 10 days, it could be problematic for a club that is clinging to a playoff spot.
“Itâs just the quality ABs. Heâs just a true professional in every single at-bat,” Bellinger said. “Weâll see. I havenât heard anything, but itâll be tough, for sure.”
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