Both Brett Gardner and Tampa Bay Rays 1B Rickie Weeks left Wednesday’s game in the sixth inning after they collided with each other at first base. After undergoing tests, Gardner was diagnosed with a bruised jaw and a strained neck; he’s listed as day-to-day, and will likely not play tomorrow in the series finale. Weeks experienced neck and shoulder soreness.
Gardner had pinch-hit for Pete Kozma with runners on first and third and the game tied at three when he dribbled back to the pitcher, Xavier Cedeno. Cedeno threw low to first, and Weeks was unable to corral the ball. Weeks went to retrieve the ball but headed straight into Gardner’s path. Both players were knocked to the ground and stayed down for several minutes.
Gardy is a tough SOB! That’s one hell of a collision! pic.twitter.com/WCmtpJNWKY
— The BP Show (@YankeesPodcast) April 12, 2017
As of right now, the Yankees don’t believe Gardner has a concussion but they’ll wait to see how he feels tomorrow. They also don’t believe Gardner will be placed on the disabled list, which is now 10 days instead of 15. However, in the event they want to play it safe with their 33-year-old left fielder and shelve him for a bit, Mason Williams could be a potential call-up. Williams is already on the 40-man roster and has experience in the big leagues.
No, don’t get your hopes up about Clint Frazier, either. Expect Aaron Hicks to start in Gardner’s place until he’s ready to take the field again.
