As the injuries continue to pile up for the Yankees this spring, Sal Licata says there should be at least some growing concern that things could go south quickly for the Bombers in 2025.
“Maybe they have a chance to be a bad team if things go wrong,” Sal said. “If this roster was wearing any other uniform, I would say ‘I don’t think they’re good enough.’
“Spring has treated them very harshly...there is a path where they could be very good, but there’s also a path where it can go sideways really quick.”
Luis Gil, the reigning Rookie of the Year, is shut down six weeks with a lat strain, and Giancarlo Stanton’s return is unknown as he deals with an issue in his elbows. If any other key injuries arise, Sal could see a team that already has its share of question marks becoming one that is suddenly fighting for a playoff spot after being expected to repeat as AL champs.
“Question mark for Dominguez, somewhat of a question mark for Bellinger, Goldschmidt on the decline,” Sal said. “And Gerrit Cole, you’d be foolish to just say that he’s gonna do what he’s done in his prime. He might, but I don’t know if you can rely on that.
“Maybe we’re taking it for granted, and maybe they get caught by someone in their own division like the Red Sox.”