Yankees News: Miguel Andujar to Play with Shoulder Injury, Avoid Surgery

New York Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar plans to avoid surgery on a slight labrum tear in his shoulder with rest and rehabilitation and return to the field sometime in the 2019 season. 

"I've always had this positive mindset since it happened because I feel good. I know there's an injury, but at the same time I was able to finish the game, I was able to still compete in that game," Andujar told reporters through an interpreter. "And now it's about following the procedure that we have in place and focusing on that, focusing on doing all that stuff. If I start thinking about the worst possible scenario, when there's still a chance we can go through this and I can get back on the field."

Andujar, 24, was placed on the injured list Monday and is expected to miss multiple weeks, regardless of whether he ultimately undergoes season-ending surgery.

"Surgery could be in play, which would obviously compromise his season," Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters. "There is some optimism that if treated conservatively, he can respond and come back and play good.

"But we'll know that in a couple of weeks."

The Yankees are dealing with injuries to Andujar, Giancarlo Stanton, Dellin Betances, Aaron Hicks, Luis Severino, Didi Gregorius and Aaron Hicks. They're off to a 2-3 start on the season, scuffling alongside the defending champion Red Sox as the Rays race out to an early division lead.

Andujar hit .297/.328/.527 with 27 home runs and 92 runs batted in last season as a rookie. He struggled a bit defensively but was considered an integral part of perhaps baseball's toughest lineup. 

DJ LeMahieu will continue playing third base in Andujar's absence.