Yankees 3B Josh Donaldson exits with hamstring tightness
NEW YORK -- Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson left Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies with right hamstring tightness and will be reevaluated Thursday, the team announced.
The 2015 AL MVP exited the game on a flyout leading off the second inning. Donaldson ran at about half-speed to first base and pulled up between home and first. Isiah Kiner-Falefa replaced Donaldson at the start of the third inning.
"We didn't want to push it," Donaldson said.
Donaldson told reporters after the game that he still felt a little sore. A stint on the injured list has not been ruled out, but Donaldson said his hamstring will be reevaluated in the coming days.
"Don't think it's too severe," said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. "But it is a hamstring."
The third baseman has struggled to start the year, collecting two hits in 16 at-bats so far. The 37-year old is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career after hitting .222/.308/.374 with 15 homers in 59 games in 2022.
The Yankees have dealt with several injuries to start the year, mostly concentrated in the pitching staff. Pitchers Carlos Rodon, Luis Severino, Frankie Montas, Tommy Kahnle and Lou Trivino and outfielder Harrison Bader all missed Opening Day because of injuries.
Donaldson's injury could open the door for Oswald Peraza to return to the major leagues. Peraza competed with shortstop Anthony Volpe in spring training for a spot on the roster and impressed in a short stint in the majors last year, hitting .306/.404/.429 this past September in 18 games.
The Yankees could also play DJ LeMahieu at third base with Gleyber Torresspending more time at second. New York also has two utility men in Oswaldo Cabrera and Kiner-Falefa who could play third as well.
