The New York Yankees have been playing some very good baseball to start the 2023 season.
They have won 12 of their first 19 games and sit in second place in the American League East, four games behind the surging Tampa Bay Rays.
Even more impressive is the fact that they have been able to do all of this without some key players.
Giancarlo Stanton, Harrison Bader, Carlos Rodon, Luis Severino, and others are currently recovering from injuries.
But the Yankees provided some good news about two players who are recovering.
Both Bader and catcher Ben Rortvedt will begin their rehab assignments today.
The Yankees announced the news on Twitter.
Today, OF Harrison Bader commences a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset and C Ben Rortvedt commences a rehab assignment with Single-A Tampa.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 21, 2023
Bader is recovering from a left oblique strain he suffered early in spring training.
Rortvedt, who was acquired from the Minnesota Twins last season along with Josh Donaldson, is recovering from surgery to repair an aneurysm in his left shoulder.
These are obviously significant injuries that have cost both Rortvedt and Bader some key time.
Fortunately, both of them are on the mend and are set to begin their rehab assignments today.
Bader was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for left-hander Jordan Montgomery last July.
The speedy outfielder and former Gold Glover was dealing with plantar fasciitis at the time.
But upon his return, he proved to be a threat at the plate and on the basepaths, as well as out in center field.
Aaron Judge has been patrolling center field since Bader has been out, but likely will shift back to right field when Bader makes his eventual return.
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