Yankees’ Aaron Boone shares crucial injury update on pitcher

Once Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon return from injury, the New York Yankees should have the deepest starting pitching rotation in the American League. They may already do (lead AL with 3.17 ERA). The bullpen could be a work-in-progress, however. New York will eventually have to determine which relievers it can trust when the stakes increase. Angel Chivilli could potentially earn a bigger role, but he will need to come off the injured list first.

The 23-year-old righty will not throw for about three weeks, per MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, as he tries to recover from shoulder discomfort. Yankees manager Aaron Boone says there is “acute and chronic stuff going on there.” Those words can sometimes portend a lengthy absence, but the organization is hopeful that Chivilli can bounce back after shutting down for a while. Time will tell.

The Dominican Republic native struggled with the Colorado Rockies before being traded to The Bronx in January. He surrendered a 446-foot home run to Los Angeles Angels great Mike Trout in his Yankees debut on April 16 but responded well just three days later. Chivilli allowed only one hit in 1 2/3 scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals. Boone will have to sit on that mixed bag for a bit before getting an extended look at the young hurler.

While New York (19-10) receives stellar production from Brent Headrick and Tim Hill, the first-place squad could use a couple more impactful arms in the pen. Angel Chivilli is eager to prove himself and seize this wonderful opportunity. However, all he can do right now is hope that his shoulder cooperates.