NEW YORK — One of the Yankees’ pre-trade deadline pickups is already injured.
That would be Austin Slater, who exited Monday’s game against the Texas Rangers in the first inning with left hamstring tightness. Slater suffered the injury while running to first on a fielder’s choice at Globe Life Field. He had trouble getting down the line, but he made it to first base easily after the Rangers repeatedly mishandled what could have been a double play ball.
Slater then received a visit from the Yankees’ training staff and Aaron Boone. He exited without much of a discussion.
Slater, making his second start with the Yankees, was acquired from the Chicago White Sox on July 30. A right-handed hitting outfielder, he was playing on Monday night because the Yankees were facing Rangers southpaw Patrick Corbin.
Slater entered Monday’s game with an .825 OPS against lefties this season, which is why the Yankees acquired him.
If Slater has to go on the injured list, it will create an easy roster decision for the Yankees, as Aaron Judge is expected to come off the IL on Tuesday. The Yankees’ captain has been out with a right flexor strain and will be initially limited to DH duties upon returning.
The hope is that Judge will begin a throwing program in the next few days before returning to right field.
Judge arrived in Texas on Monday night. He faced live pitching over the weekend at the Yankees’ complex in Tampa, Fla.
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