New York Yankees center fielder Harrison Bader Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees could get much-needed outfield boost this weekend

By Aaron Somers | Last updated 5/1/23

Reinforcements could be on the horizon for a New York Yankees team that continues to slap together a patchwork mix to cover the outfield. Manager Aaron Boone told reporters, including MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, prior to Monday’s game against Cleveland that Harrison Bader could return as soon as this weekend.

Harrison Bader could be activated for the Rays series, Aaron Boone said.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) May 1, 2023

Bader has missed the entire season thus far due to an oblique injury.

Eight players have seen time in the Yankees outfield this season. Aside from Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, none of them have been hitting much. Oswaldo Cabrera is struggling to a .200/.223/.282 line with just one home run. Willie Calhoun is only batting .237/.268/.263 in limited time. Aaron Hicks and Isiah Kiner-Falefa have combined for 94 plate appearances entering Monday with zero extra-base hits.

A career .245/.317/.405 batter, Bader isn’t going to be a game-changer for the Yankees, but having him back in the fold consistently should have its benefits. He has always been known more for his defense than his bat. Being able to pencil him into the lineup most days in center field can only help the Yankees pitching staff.

Judge isn’t expected to miss a ton of time, but will be out at least through May 7 with a hip strain, while Stanton could be back in late May, likely following a rehab stint. Having the pair, along with Bader, back in the lineup regularly should give New York a much-needed boost.

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