Tanaka returns from disabled list, Aroldis troubled by knee tendinitis

Entering play Tuesday night, the New York Yankees are 2.5 games behind Boston in the American League East, the most elite division of Major League Baseball.   Injuries are a major factor in the Yankees struggling to keep up with the Red Sox.

For starters, there’s the starting rotation.  Masahiro Tanaka has had a miserable season (4.58 ERA, 16 home runs allowed), hampered by strained hamstrings in both legs.

Yankees clinging to belief the DL has changed Masahiro Tanaka

CLICK HERE for LINK to Dan Martin of the New York Post

Another starter problem in the Bronx is Jonathan Loiasiga.  Impressive with a 2-0 record and a 3.00 ERA in four starts for the Yankees, the 23-year-old Nicaraguan developed such a severe case of pain and inflammation in his right shoulder that he took a cortisone shot.

He’s been ruled out for two weeks.  But you should not bet the under on this.

The Yanks have only two reliable and healthy starters: Cy Young contender Luis Severino and the massively graceful C.C. Sabathia, who’s about to turn 38.

And if there’s an elephant-in-the-room story here it’s Aroldis Chapman.  The game’s most overpowering closer is having another All-Star year, converting 24 of 25 save opportunities with his 1.42 ERA.  It’s hardly been noticeable that he has tendinitis in his left knee, but manager Aaron Boone said the team is considering him for the 10-day disabled list.

Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman may have to deal with left knee tendinitis for rest of the season

CLICK HERE for LINK to Mike Mazzeo of the New York Daily News

The Yankees’ lineup is deep, so they’re not alarmed about 21-year-old All-Star second baseman Glayber Torres going to the 10-day DL.  What is troubling, however, is his revelation that he’s had a sore hip “for years.”  To have a chronic condition at his age likely foretells future disability.

There’s one scrap of good news on the Yankees’ injury front.  The team’s No. 1 catcher, Gary Sanchez, out since June 25 with a pulled right groin, is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment within a week.  He’s expected to return to the lineup when the All-Star break ends.  But when healthy he wasn’t playing well.  He’s slashing .190/.291/.433 for the year.