Outfielder Brett Gardner traveled back to New York last night to undergo an MRI on his side after exiting last night’s game in the first inning. According to Andy McCullough, he has been diagnosed with a Grade-1 oblique strain – the least severe grade.
While things could have been worse, manager Joe Girardi said Gardner will be out for “a while.” Should they make the playoffs, he might be available for pinch-run duty. On the season, Gardner was hitting .273/.344/.416 with 8 homers and 52 RBI in 145 games.
His defense and speed will be sorely missed, but the Yankees need to move on as they’ve done after their other key guys came down with injuries. Curtis Granderson will hit leadoff tonight and play centerfield.
Gardner will be out “a while” says Girardi. Grade 1 strain.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughSL) September 13, 2013
