TAMPA, Fla. — While Alex Rodriguez moves closer to rejoining the New York Yankees, his backup and two more teammates joined him on the disabled list.
The Yankees placed pitchers Chien-Ming Wang and Brian Bruney on the 15-day disabled list and third baseman Cody Ransom on the 60-day DL Saturday after their 11-inning loss to the Boston Red Sox. Right-hander David Robertson was recalled from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, right-hander Mark Melancon had his contract purchased from Class AAA and right-hander Humberto Sanchez was released.
Ransom strained his right quadriceps muscle while running the bases in the series opener against the Red Sox. Bruney flew to New York on Friday to have his right elbow examined. Wang has a weakness in his hip abductor muscle.
Ransom’s injury leaves the Yankees with Angel Berroa and 24-year-old Ramiro Pena at third until Rodriguez is back.
“Cody was our everyday third baseman,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “Both our third basemen have very little experience in the big leagues. That’s why we gave them a little experience in spring training.”
Rodriguez, who had right hip surgery on March 9, could begin playing in minor league games in the next week after increasing his baserunning session on Saturday. He has run the bases twice in the past three days, and the Yankees expect him to rejoin the team by May 15.
The three-time AL MVP continues taking batting practice, fielding grounders and throwing at third while taking part in an extensive off-field workout program.
Wang threw 50 pitches in a bullpen session. Yankees vice president Billy Connors said Wang threw the ball well and that he’s working on mechanics and getting stronger.
Wang missed the final 31/2 months last season with a foot injury. Wang, 0-3 with a 34.50 ERA in three starts this season, is expected to be re-examined Monday, at which time his rehab schedule could be finalized.
“He can continue to pitch while he’s rehabbing,” Girardi said. “This is caused by the foot injury. Stabilizing and strengthening the hip is important.”
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