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Yankees Announce Paul Goldschmidt News After Loss to Twins

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 2:01 AM ET

The New York Yankees won their first series of August in a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins from Monday to Wednesday, but they're still in trouble. They're only one game ahead of the Cleveland Guardians for the third and final AL Wild Card spot with six weeks left in the regular season.

The Yankees beat the Twins 6-2 on Monday and 9-1 on Tuesday before losing 4-1 on Wednesday, but Tuesday's victory came at a price. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt left early and didn't play on Wednesday, a night in which New York especially needed his bat.

The Yankees released an update on Goldschmidt after Wednesday night's game, via MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.

The 37-year-old has a low-grade knee sprain with inflammation. He's slashing .276/.331/.422 with 10 homers and 40 RBI over 112 games.

Fellow first baseman Ben Rice went 1-for-4 in Goldshmidt's stead on Wednesday. The 26-year-old is slashing .233/.326/.456 with 17 homers and 38 RBI over 101 contests.

Paul Goldschmidt has a low grade knee sprain with inflammation, according to the Yankees. Goldschmidt said he hopes it will be a “short term” absence and that he can avoid the IL.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) August 14, 2025

Paul Goldschmidt comments on injury

Goldschmidt said that he hopes he can avoid the IL with a "short-term" absence, via Hoch. While Rice is a high-upside player in his second year, the seven-time All-Star is still a more dependable contact hitter at this point. Goldschmidt is third on the squad with 110 hits, although his younger counterpart's OPS is 30 points higher.

The Yankees need the veteran back as soon as possible to help them maintain their Wild Card spot. His presence allows Rice to play catcher, which is optimal given Austin Wells's struggles. The 26-year-old is slashing just .206/.264/.408 with 15 homers and 56 RBI over 94 games.

Up next for New York is a road series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Goldschmidt's former team.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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