Miguel Andujar Mulling Labrum Surgery After Second MRI Comes Back 'Identical'
By Parker White
The New York Yankees just placed third baseman Miguel Andujar back on the injured list because of his ailing shoulder, and after undergoing another MRI that came back "about identical," surgery remains a realistic possibility.
Expect a decision on whether or not the 24-year-old slugger will have surgery within the next 24 hours.
Miguel Andújar had another MRI, which Aaron Boone calls "about identical." Says the labrum tear hasn't really changed/gotten worse. Decision on surgery is likely in 24 hours.
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) May 14, 2019
It doesn't look good for last year's Rookie of the Year candidate, as the only option he has other than surgery is more rehab. According to Lindsey Adler of The Athletic, a PRP injection is not on the table.
Naturally, the rehab didn't do much to alleviate the extent of the damage in the season's first month.
The options for Andújar are surgery or more rehab. A PRP injection is not on the table. Andújar will be having conversations with his family and other people he trusts over the next day.
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) May 14, 2019
The more this goes on, the more it makes more sense for him to have the surgery now and get ready to return at the start of the 2020 season. I'm sure the Yankees, who have been slaughtered with injuries this year, would love to have him back healthy and productive, but this is not an injury that he can quickly come back from, especially after the latest MRI.
It might be different if they hadn't signed DJ LeMahieu and Gio Urshela, combined with Luke Voit continuing to mash this year, but the Yankees do have the depth to overcome Andujar's loss.
Didi Gregorius' return is reportedly coming swiftly, too. You'd be insane to flaunt everything and claim the Yankees "clearly" have enough depth to overcome this, after the season's first month, but it seems best for all parties for Andujar to get things cleaned up swiftly so he can be a full go in 2020.