On the Shelf


Every major league team that sent players to the World Baseball Classic worried about the risk of injury. While pitchers always seem most vulnerable, staying healthy is a bit of a gamble no matter what position. The Yankees learned that the hard way as shortstop Didi Gregorius, coming off his best big league season, left the Dutch team in WBC with a shoulder injury that will sideline him until at least May.
Manning the position Derek Jeter held for close to 20 years, Didi ramped up his game in 2016, belting 20 home runs while being dependable in the field. Now, the Yanks have to consider four or more weeks with second baseman Starlin Castro sliding back to his old position, or a pressing a backup such as Ronald Torreyes or Ruben Tejada into everyday duty. 
Manager Joe Girardi has already ruled out top prospect Gleyber Torres for the job -- he'll start the season at Double-A Trenton.
No matter who gets the call, the Yankees will be down one of the players they could least afford to lose.

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