ST. PETERSBURG — The Yankees are hopeful that they will receive good news on Saturday, as outfielder Andrew Benintendi is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his right wrist after sustaining an injury during Friday’s 9-0 loss to the Rays at Tropicana Field.
Benintendi winced and shook his hand after a healthy third-inning cut at an 89.8 mph sinker from Tampa Bay starter Jeffrey Springs. The Yankees said that X-rays on Benintendi came back negative, but there is concern because he “felt a pop” in his wrist, according to manager Aaron Boone.
“He felt like something popped in his wrist and he’s got some numbness in his fingers right now,” Boone said. “We’ll have to get all the MRIs [Saturday], which will tell us more. It’s unfortunate for him to have that happen, and we hope the best for him.”
The 28-year-old Benintendi was an American League All-Star this season with the Royals, acquired by the Yankees prior to the Aug. 2 Trade Deadline in exchange for Minor Leaguers Chandler Champlain, T.J. Sikkema and Beck Way.
In 33 games with New York, Benintendi has batted .246/.323/.395 (28-for-114) with nine doubles, one triple, two home runs and 13 RBIs, while serving as the club’s regular left fielder. He doubled in the first inning on Friday.
“He’s an important guy in our lineup right now, especially as we struggle as much as we are offensively,” Boone said. “He’s been hitting the ball really well.”
Rookie Oswaldo Cabrera pinch-hit for Benintendi, fouling out to shortstop Taylor Walls.
If Benintendi misses time, it could spell increased at-bats for Cabrera, Aaron Hicks or Tim Locastro, at least in the short term. Giancarlo Stanton is on the active roster but has not played the outfield since returning from the injured list on Aug. 25.