New York Yankees starter Marcus Stroman may be closing in on a return to game action.
The right-hander, who has been sidelined since April with right knee discomfort, threw another bullpen session Monday, according to manager Aaron Boone.
If all goes well with his recovery in the next few days, Stroman could face live hitters later this week. That's an encouraging development for the Yankees as they try to piece together a depleted rotation.
“He threw another bullpen today,” Boone told reporters before Monday’s game against the Padres. “If he bounces back well, we’re looking at potentially getting him into a live BP scenario later this week.”
Stroman has not pitched since April 19, when he exited after just 4 1/3 innings against the Rays. The Yankees announced the issue after Stroman's ERA had already ballooned to 11.57. They described the issue as knee soreness, but the team opted to shut him down as a precaution and avoid any long-term aggravation.
This week marks a key checkpoint in his progression.
The Yankees have been dealing with multiple injuries in the rotation already this season. Gerrit Cole had season-ending Tommy John surgery, and Clarke Schmidt was recently scratched for side soreness. The Yankees are also without Luis Gil until at least next month after he suffered a lat strain in spring training.
Stroman’s potential return could offer a major boost in both innings and experience.
There’s no timeline yet for a rehab assignment or return to the big-league mound, but the upcoming live BP session would mark Stroman’s first time facing hitters in several weeks. It's a sign of progress, which the Yankees desperately need.
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