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The New York Yankees were dealt a brutal update ahead of their doubleheader on Sunday. With two games against the Chicago White Sox on the docket for Sunday, the Yankees will be without a pair of key players for both legs, and potentially longer. According to the team, Joey Gallo and Kyle Higashioka were placed on the COVID-19 Injured List.
Prior to Game 1 of today’s doubleheader, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Placed OF Joey Gallo and C Kyle Higashioka on the COVID-19 injured list.
• Transferred C Ben Rortvedt to the 60-day injured list.— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 22, 2022
That's a major loss for the Yankees, who will lose one of their top catchers and Gallo, who is one of the team's premier sluggers despite his early struggles.
This season, Gallo has gotten off to a slow start, slashing just .176/.294/.333 with five home runs, seven RBI, and 45 strikeouts in 35 games. Despite not being his usual self, Gallo is still one of the prominent power-hitting lefties in the Yankees‘ loaded lineup, so his absence will surely be felt. Hopefully, Gallo is able to return quickly, and perhaps the brief period away from the team will be a chance for him to reset and heat up along with the weather.
Higashioka, on the other hand, is slashing .154/.219/.200 on the year. Known more for his glove than his bat, Higgy's absence could have a significant impact on the Yankees' pitching. He has split duties with Jose Trevino this season, so it stands to reason that Trevino will serve as the primary catcher in the meantime.
• Recalled RHP David McKay from Triple-A SWB.
• Signed C Rob Brantly to a Major League contract and selected him to the 26-man roster from Triple-A SWB.— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 22, 2022
In a corresponding move after placing Gallo and Higashioka on the COVID-19 IL, the Yankees called up David McKay from Triple-A Scranton and signed catcher Rob Brantly to a Major League contract in order to have him serve as a backup during the doubleheader.
