Yankees’ Didi Gregorius hurt, might need DL | What it means

Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius went to the hospital in the middle of a 10-2 win over the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.

NEW YORK — Aaron Boone hesitated and then scratched his neck.

What the manager had to say next wasn’t good for the Yankees.

Star shortstop Didi Gregorius might end up on the disabled list, thanks to a badly bruised heel, Boone told reporters following a 10-2 win over the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.

“He’s got a pretty bad bruise on his heel,” Boone said. “So it’s something that we’ll kind of monitor over the next 24 hours. Could potentially be a DL thing. So, not great there.”

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Let’s break it down.

How it happened: Gregorius slammed into first baseman Kendrys Morales while racing for a first-inning single. Gregorius hit a hard groundball to second base. Devon Travis tried throwing Gregorius out, but his throw was short and up the line.

Morales made the mistake of putting hit whole body right in Gregorius’ path while attempting the pick. Gregorius hit him and ended up on the ground. Team trainer Steve Donohue and Boone checked on Gregorius, who was doubled over for a couple moments, clearly in pain.

Gregorius stayed in the game before Boone pulled him the start of the third inning.

What’s next: The Yankees are lucky. They’re off Monday. That’s one less game Gregorius would have to miss. They’re also off Thursday, following a two-game set in Miami. That would be two days without games the 28-year-old would miss, if the Yankees put him on the DL.

What it means: Rookie Gleyber Torres would “move over and get the bulk of the work at shortstop if Didi was down for a significant time,” Boone said. That would likely put Neil Walker back at second base, especially if Giancarlo Stanton (tight left hamstring) is, in fact, ready to play right field Tuesday. Stanton has spent most of August at DH, nursing the injury. But on Sunday, he said he expects to be able to play at the place he called home for eight seasons. If Gregorius goes to the DL, it could also mean the Yankees call up utility man Tyler Wade to take his spot.

Don’t forget ... Just how good Gregorius has been lately. Gregorius has made several incredible plays, which isn’t anything new. But he’s also hit .295 with six homers and 24 RBI over his last 29 games since July 14. Hard to replace that, especially with Aaron Judge (fractured right wrist) and Gary Sanchez (right groin strain) each on the disabled list. 

Also don’t forget … Things could change. Gregorius could see improvement once the swelling goes down. The Yankees didn’t immediately put him on the DL for a reason.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.