Yankees Place Ryan McMahon On 10-Day IL As Max Fried Gets Closer To Return

The New York Yankees have placed third baseman Ryan McMahon on the 10-day injured list due to a Grade 2 left thumb sprain, a move that may have been inevitable given the severity of the injury. McMahon, who suffered the injury on a play at second base in Wednesday's 5-3 win at Baltimore, expressed his gratitude that surgery appears to be unlikely and that he will only miss the minimum amount of time.

Background & Context

Ryan McMahon has been a key contributor to the Yankees' lineup this season, hitting .218 with 10 homers and 32 RBIs in 108 games. The 29-year-old third baseman has also been dealing with a throat infection earlier this season, which forced him to miss 10 games. McMahon's injury comes at a crucial time, as the Yankees are in the midst of a three-game series with Toronto and are fighting for a spot in the playoffs.

The Yankees' decision to place McMahon on the injured list was likely influenced by his own assessment of his condition. "I feel like with what these games meaning as much as they are down the stretch, me going out there at 50% probably wasn’t the best," McMahon said in a statement. By taking the safe route and putting McMahon on the injured list, the Yankees are prioritizing the long-term health of their player over any short-term gains.

Key Details

To fill McMahon's roster spot, the Yankees have called up Max Schuemann from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. Schuemann, who batted .194 in 40 games earlier this season, may find himself on the outside looking in if Cody Bellinger is ready to return from a left hamstring strain. Bellinger is currently undergoing a minor league rehabilitation assignment and is scheduled to play again on Sunday, which could mark his return to the big leagues.

Meanwhile, left-hander Max Fried is taking a significant step towards returning from the 15-day injured list. Fried is set to throw a side session on Saturday and, if all goes well, could be on track to return to the mound when first eligible next week. Fried has been out since Monday, when he was placed on the IL due to a lingering issue that had been affecting him since his last start against Seattle.

"I've been feeling good," Fried said in a statement. "Not ideal coming out of my last start with a little soreness, but all in all we're really encouraged." Fried's return would be a significant boost to the Yankees' rotation, which has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency throughout the season.

What Experts Say

Yankees manager Aaron Boone offered a measured assessment of McMahon's injury, stating that the team didn't want to create any bad habits by rushing him back onto the field. "Just felt like probably the right thing to do here," Boone said. The decision to put McMahon on the injured list is a testament to the Yankees' commitment to prioritizing player health over short-term gains.

Key Takeaways

• McMahon's injury is a significant blow to the Yankees' lineup, but the team is taking a cautious approach to ensure his long-term health.
• Max Schuemann is called up to fill McMahon's roster spot, but his stay with the Yankees may be short-lived if Cody Bellinger returns from injury.
• Max Fried is on track to return from the 15-day injured list, which would be a significant boost to the Yankees' rotation.
• The Yankees are prioritizing player health over short-term gains, which is reflected in their decision to put McMahon on the injured list.

What This Means For You

The Yankees' decision to prioritize player health over short-term gains is a refreshing change of pace in an era where teams often prioritize winning at all costs. As fans, we can take heart in knowing that the Yankees are committed to doing what's best for their players, even if it means sacrificing some short-term success.

For those who follow the Yankees, this news is a reminder that the team's success is ultimately tied to the health and well-being of its players. By prioritizing player health, the Yankees are investing in their long-term success and setting themselves up for a brighter future.