Yankees First Loss of 2019

Brian Cashman's season-ending media session on Friday included one bombshell revelation: shortstop Didi Gregorius needed Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm.

Ever since they traded for him from Arizona, the Yankees were aware of an issue with a ligament in his right arm. But it never posed a serious problem and didn't stand in the way of his becoming one of the American League's elite shortstops.

Hitting for average, hitting for power, steadily improving his on-base percentage, and a dynamic, athletic presence in the field made the likeable Curacao product a fan favorite. Has a team ever transitioned more smoothly from the departure of a superstar? Didi quickly evolved from being the shortstop filling Derek Jeter's shoes into one of the Yankees' on and off-field leaders.

Now, the Yanks head toward 2019 with one of their most indispensible players on the shelf. And GM Brian Cashman faces a range of options between promoting from within and scouring the trade and free agent marketplace. Once the World Series ends, the Manny Machado rumor mill will kick into high gear, despite the astronmonical pricetag attached. Another factor is Gregorius' contract status -- he's entering the final season of team control.

So one of the constants of the last four Yankee seasons has turned into a very large question mark.

(My image of Didi Gregorius is from the April 5th Yankees/Orioles game.)


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