Yankees face 11-player injury list before Opening Day

The New York Yankees are heading into Opening Day with a long list of injuries affecting their lineup. As they finished spring training, 11 players are expected to start the season on the injured list. DJ LeMahieu is making progress after straining his calf early in spring training. He has been increasing his baseball activities and traveled to New York with the team. However, he might return to Tampa soon for live at-bats or a rehab assignment. If he continues to need time, he could be out until May. Giancarlo Stanton is still recovering from tendinitis in both elbows. After receiving three PRP injections, he has seen some improvement, but he has not resumed baseball activities and remains out indefinitely. Stanton is continuing his treatment in New York. Tyler Matzek was initially expected to join the team but strained his oblique during his first outing. He has resumed throwing bullpens and hopes to start facing hitters soon. If all goes well, he could join the Yankees in mid-to-late April. Clarke Schmidt is also working to build his pitch count after dealing with back and shoulder problems. He is slated to pitch in a minor league game to increase his endurance, with a potential return by mid-April. Ian Hamilton is healthy again but needs to increase his stamina after an infection held him back. While he has pitched in a couple of games, the Yankees want to ensure he is ready for back-to-back days before he returns. Scott Effross is recovering from a hamstring strain and is expected to face hitters soon. Clayton Beeter has faced delays due to a shoulder issue and is still in the early stages of his recovery, with general manager Brian Cashman indicating it may be a while before he is available.