See You in June... Maybe


The Yankees inability to make it back to the World Series in recent years is often blamed on a lack of clutch hitting and a lineup that favors slugging over small ball.

But that's not anywhere near the whole story. Injuries to key pitchers, including season-ending surgeries for homegrown starters Jordan Montgomery and Luis Severino were big blows. And Tuesday, the warning lights began to flash in the bullpen.

Zack Britton, the dependable setup man who usually leads into Aroldis Chapman and serves as his backup to close games, felt elbow soreness. An exam revealed a bone chip that needs arthroscopic surgery but will still sideline him until June. In a flash, a third of the lefty veteran's season just evaporated. Now others, perhaps the recently re-signed Justin Wilson, will have to step up to try to fill Britton's innings and intimidating presence.

Say hello to Crisis #1 for the 2021 Yankees.

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