Yankees manager Aaron Boone reflected on the importance of Jackie Robinson and spoke about the Hall of Famer’s legacy prior to the first pitch of Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Twins.
“Larger than baseball,” Boone said about Robinson’s importance. “I think one of the most important figures in American history when you look at it. Obviously amazing athlete, but [he’s] so much more than that. And now April 15 is synonymous with him.”
The manager also mentioned it’s an “honor” to see players wearing No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day.
Saturday marked the 76th anniversary of Robinson becoming the first Black player to break the color barrier and play in the major leagues.
Each player on every team wears No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day to celebrate the legend.
DJ LeMahieu (quad tightness) returned to the lineup Saturday hitting leadoff after missing the previous three games. Boone said there are no restrictions on the infielder and that the injury was “treated pretty conservatively.”
“Trainers feel good about it and DJ had a good day yesterday with how he was able to move around in the field and do his ground balls. And hitting is not an issue,” Boone said.
“So, obviously, pay close attention to it and see how he is during the game and postgame and see where we’re at going into tomorrow, but now feel like he’s ready to go.”
Boone said he “hasn’t crossed that bridge” on deciding how many rehab games will be needed for Harrison Bader before returning to action in the Bronx. Bader has been dealing with a left oblique strain suffered in spring training but hasn’t felt any pain since the injury was sustained.
Starters Luis Severino and Carlos Rodon are expected to throw split bullpen sessions either Sunday or Monday, per Boone. The skipper added he expects both pitchers to return around the same time but didn’t provide a specific timeframe for return.
Both pitchers have yet to pitch this season. Rodon recently experienced back tightness while recovering from a left forearm strain suffered early in spring training.
Severino is recovering from a low-grade lat strain injury suffered in spring training. Both have thrown bullpen sessions earlier in the week.
Josh Donaldson is “healthy and ready to go,” according to Boone. The manager added “we will have those conversations” regarding the former MVP playing a rehab game or not before returning from a right hamstring injury suffered during the series finale against the Phillies on April 5.
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