TAMPA — Position players haven’t even officially reported to spring training yet and the Yankees have already suffered a pair of losses.
Utility man Tyler Austin (fractured left foot) will miss at least six weeks and outfielder Mason Williams (left patellar tendon strain) will be out two weeks, manager Joe Girard said at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Friday.
The pair each had MRIs earlier in the day that revealed the injuries.
Austin fouled a ball off his foot during batting practice a few days ago. He tried playing on it until the pain became worrisome.
Williams had felt the injury during the offseason and it recently returned.
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Here’s what the injuries mean:
WHAT COMPETITION? Austin, 25, was set to battle Greg Bird and Chris Carter for the first base job. He was considered the distant third option — behind Bird and Carter, respectively — but he had a chance. During the offseason, he said he didn’t want to settle for a backup role or for getting sent back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Now, Austin, who hit five homers in his major-league debut last year, won’t get a chance to make the Opening Day roster.
WILLIAMS STALLED: Williams may have had a chance to compete for the fourth outfielder spot. But Aaron Hicks, who’s without minor league options, seems the lock to get it. Hicks will also fight for the starting right field job with prospect Aaron Judge. No player wants to miss any time in spring training, let alone two weeks, but Williams’ was likely ticketed to return to Triple-A anyway.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHERS? Not really. Rob Refsnyder could stand to benefit most. While he’s primarily a second baseman, he seemed capable at first base last season in the majors. He was a college outfielder, but the Yankees moved him away from the position immediately after drafting him.
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Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.
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