NEW YORK (AP) - Miguel Andújar was activated by Yankees on Saturday and New York lost pitcher James Paxton to the 10-day injury list.
Andújar, who missed 28 games because of a small labrum tear in his right shoulder, was batting fourth and playing third base against the Minnesota Twins.
Paxton exited Friday’s start after the third inning with left knee soreness. He threw 64 pitches - 33 in the third inning before departing. He underwent an MRI on Saturday.
“It’s just something that’s nagging at me enough that I couldn’t execute pitches,” Paxton said Friday. “I’m not real worried it’s going to be something long-term. I’m hoping it’s something that’s just a quick fix.”
The Yankees were happy to get Andújar back after they feared he might need surgery that could jeopardize his season, but he responded well to rehab and rejoined the Yankees on Friday.
“Excited to have another guy with Miggy’s capabilities, just potentially adding a little bit more length to our lineup,” manager Aaron Boone said. “So one of the guys we’ve been looking forward to getting back. The rehab process for him has gone as well as we could have hoped, so feel good about getting him back in the mix.”
The Yankees are still without Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Didi Gregorius, Luis Severino, Dellin Betances, Aaron Hicks, Greg Bird and Troy Tulowitzki and have 13 players on the injured list.
Andújar was injured diving back into third base on a pickoff attempt against Baltimore during New York’s third game this season on March 31.
He batted .297 with 27 homers and 92 RBIs last season when he was runner-up for AL Rookie of the Year.
To make room for Andújar, first baseman Mike Ford was optioned back to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Ford batted .179 (5-for-28) with one homer and two RBIs in 10 games.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.