Yankees' Mitchell Out With Foot Injury, Miller Plans To Play With Fractured Hand
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Yankees' bullpen, expected to be perhaps the team's greatest strength this season, is suddenly taking a beating.
A day after reliever Andrew Miller suffered a chip fracture on his non-throwing wrist when he was struck by a line drive, the Yankees announced that Bryan Mitchell has a Grade 3 turf toe and fractured sesamoid bone in his left foot, WFAN's Sweeny Murti reported. Mitchell's injury could require surgery, which would mean he could miss up to three months, according to reports. He will see foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte to determine the course of action and potential time frame for his return.
Mitchell, who had made the Opening Day roster, suffered the injury while running to cover first base during Wednesday's spring training game against the Atlanta Braves.
"Honestly, I really don't think it's has sunk in yet," Mitchell, who was wearing a walking boot, said Thursday. "It's tough right now. Just got to move forward for now."
As Murti reported, Mitchell was the favorite all spring to replace Adam Warren, who was sent to the Cubs in the Starlin Castro trade, as the swingman in the bullpen.
Mitchell, 24, has appeared in 23 games for the Yankees the past two seasons, starting three. He is 0-3 with a 5.31 ERA and one save in his career.
Meanwhile, Miller said Thursday he plans to play through his injury.
"I don't know why I would miss time for an injury to my right hand," the left-hander told Murti.
Miller still has to see a hand specialist but joked that if he's told he can't pitch with the injury, he'll look for another doctor.
Miller had 33 saves and a 2.04 ERA last season. Miller will remain the Yankees' closer for the first 30 games this season while Aroldis Chapman serves his suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy.
