Yankees injuries: Updates on Masahiro Tanaka, Gary Sanchez

The Yankees have several key players on the disabled list: Pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, catcher Gary Sanchez and rookie second baseman Gleyber Torres. At least one of them should return by the beginning of next week, according to manager Aaron Boone.

That the Yankees are just one game out of first place in the American League East is impressive, when you consider the talent that the team has on the disabled list: catcher Gary Sanchez, rookie second baseman Gleyber Torres and pitcher Masahiro Tanaka.

Manager Aaron Boone told WFAN he’s confident at least one of those players should return early next week, per the New York Daily News.

On Tanaka’s recovery from a pair of strained hamstrings:

After having what Aaron Boone termed a “really good” rehab outing on Wednesday for Triple-A Scranton, Masahiro Tanaka is on schedule to rejoin the rotation in his normal turn in Baltimore, the Yankees’ manager told WFAN.

On regular rest, Tanaka would be slated to return for Monday’s doubleheader against the Orioles at Camden Yards. Jonathan Loaisiga is the likely candidate to start the other game of the twin-bill.

Tanaka pitched five innings, giving up two runs on three hits. He struck out four and didn’t walk a batter in the RailRiders’ 4-2 victory.

He landed on the 10-day disabled list after straining both of his hamstrings while scoring from third base on a sacrifice fly in a 4-1 win over the Mets on Friday, June 8th.

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On Sanchez’s strained right groin:

Also on the injury front, Gary Sanchez (groin) is “doing well,” according to Boone, and will travel with the team on the road. Boone expects Sanchez to take batting practice at some point and then continue to progress with the idea he could play in a couple minor-league rehab games right before the All-Star break or during it before being ready to go coming out of the break.

Backup catcher Austin Romine has been dealing with a sore hamstring, giving Kyle Higashioka the bulk of the playing time behind the plate. Boone told WFAN Romine is expected to start Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays.

As for Torres, he has been replaced on the 25-man roster by Tyler Wade, who has been recalled from Triple-A Scranton and will join the team Friday in Toronto. Torres is sidelined with a strained right hip.

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