José Caballero Headed for MRI and the Yankees Are Holding Their Breath

José Caballero is about to find out just how serious that sore right middle finger really is. The infielder will have an MRI after Monday's game in Baltimore to determine the extent of the injury he picked up diving back into first base during the ninth inning of Sunday's loss to the Brewers in Milwaukee. The Yankees are trying to stay calm, but there's visible concern about how long their surprisingly productive infielder might be sidelined.

Caballero wasn't in the lineup Monday as the Yankees opened a three game series against the Orioles, and he made no attempt to hide his frustration about the situation. "I got treatment already. The next step is to get an MRI and see what's going on," he said while holding a pink Mother's Day bat. "I don't think it's fractured." The real problem? When he tried to throw, it didn't feel right. He attempted to throw Monday and just couldn't get comfortable with it.

The Good News and the Bad News

Yankees manager Aaron Boone offered some hope during Monday's game. Caballero's batting cage session went well, which means hitting isn't the issue here. Boone said he could potentially use Caballero off the bench as a pinch runner or even to hit if the finger doesn't require extended time off. But there's definitely concern. "For those of you who have been around Cabby, he's as tough as they come," Boone said. "He just had a little hard time when he went to throw today. The good thing is, hitting was good, so we'll see."

Caballero has been such a productive performer for the Yankees early in the season on both sides of the ball that losing him even for a few days would be felt. Boone's preference is clear: keep plugging him in whenever possible.

What Happens If This Gets Worse

If Caballero needs extended time, the Yankees have options, though none are ideal. Max Schuemann started at shortstop Monday in Caballero's place, and if this becomes a day-to-day situation, Schuemann could continue getting starts. His flexibility across the infield gives Boone some cushion. "That's kind of his calling card, his ability to play everywhere," Boone said.

For a longer stretch on the sidelines, there's Anthony Volpe, who remains at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after being optioned at the conclusion of his Minor League rehab assignment. Volpe entered Monday hitting .205 (8-for-39) in nine Triple-A games with a homer and five RBIs. Boone hasn't spoken with him since the team optioned him, but he's confident about Volpe's mental toughness. "He's mentally a very tough kid, and that will serve him well as he navigates this," Boone said. Oswaldo Cabrera is also down at Scranton after missing most of the early season recovering from a severe left ankle fracture. Cabrera is hitting .217 (26-for-120) in 32 Triple-A games with six doubles, a triple, two homers and 12 RBIs.

The MRI results will tell the story. Until then, the Yankees are in wait and see mode with a player who has been crucial to their start.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.