Yankees JT Brubaker Suffers Freak Injury During Spring Training Game
Facing Tampa Bay’s Kameron Misner, Brubaker turned to dodge a 74.7 mph line drive, but the ball struck him in the lower back. In the process, he twisted awkwardly, aggravating his side.
He initially went to a knee before walking off under his own power. Further tests revealed the fractures, and he will be sidelined indefinitely. "He’s doing OK symptomatically," manager Aaron Boone said, but added, "It’s tough, especially after all the work he’s put in."
JT Brubaker fractured 3 ribs trying to get out of the way of a comebacker earlier in camp. “It’s going to cost him some time,” Aaron Boone said.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) February 28, 2025
Brubaker had been eager to return after missing the past two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery and a lingering oblique strain.
The Yankees acquired him from the Pittsburgh Pirates before the 2024 season, envisioning him as a depth starter or bullpen option.
He was Pittsburgh’s Opening Day starter in 2022, posting 144 innings with 147 strikeouts that year. Now, with another setback, his long-awaited return will have to wait. "It’s frustrating," Boone admitted. "He was finally healthy, and then something like this happens."
not good JT Brubaker has left ther game #Yankees pic.twitter.com/iVVPuE6Tb8
— Lucasparmenter23 (@Lucasparmenter0) February 21, 2025
The Yankees are also dealing with uncertainty surrounding Luis Gil, who is undergoing an MRI for shoulder tightness after a bullpen session.
The 2024 AL Rookie of the Year played a major role in last season’s rotation, posting a 3.50 ERA over 151.2 innings. If Gil is sidelined, Marcus Stroman, who has been on the trade block, could be needed, along with depth arms Yoendrys Gómez, Will Warren, and Brent Headrick.
Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
