Is Yankees' initial rehab over surgery plan for Miguel Andujar wise? An orthopedic surgeon weighs in

Andujar has a small tear in his rotator cuff

4/3/2019, 1:52 PM
Aug 28, 2018; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar (41) throws a runner out at first base to end the top of the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports / Wendell Cruz
Aug 28, 2018; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar (41) throws a runner out at first base to end the top of the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports / Wendell Cruz

Yankees 3B Miguel Andujar has a small tear in the labrum in his right shoulder. And while season-ending surgery is on the table, Andujar -- who said Tuesday that he has good strength in his shoulder -- will first try to rehab the injury and return.

Dr. Alexis Chiang Colvin, an Associate Professor of Sports Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, said "the approach of rehab initially is a good plan for now." 

The rehab for Andujar will entail treating the injury "conservatively" for two weeks, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Monday.

When it comes to potential surgery down the line even if Andujar is able to rehab and return, Dr. Colvin -- who specializes in surgical treatment of knee, shoulder, and hip disorders -- said he is "Not necessarily risking surgery if he plays again provided that he continues to progress through PT pain free."

If the 24-year-old Andujar is unsuccessful in his rehab attempt, his season will be over, leaving the Yankees to likely roll with DJ LeMahieu at third base, with the potential of shifting infielders around once Didi Gregorius returns from Tommy John surgery.

Andujar was the Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2018, hitting .297/.328/.527 with 27 homers in 149 games.


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