The Yankees are slowly regaining their health, and with the postseason just a month away, September offers a crucial chance for the team to gain momentum and move in the right direction. Although Gerrit Cole’s early departure from Monday night’s game due to right calf cramps wasn’t ideal, the injury doesn’t seem to be overly concerning.
**Reinforcements on the Horizon for the Yankees**
Fortunately, Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil are expected to return this weekend, which will strengthen both the rotation and the bullpen, depending on how manager Aaron Boone decides to use them. Additionally, utility infielder Jon Berti is anticipated to return soon, as his rehab assignment was moved from Double-A to Triple-A on Tuesday afternoon.
**The Return of Jon Berti**
Berti has been out for the past few months due to a calf injury that significantly set him back. His last game was on May 24 against the San Diego Padres.
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Before his injury, the 34-year-old veteran was batting .273/.322/.327 with one home run, six RBIs, and four stolen bases in just 17 games. Projected over a full 162-game season, Berti was on pace to steal 44 bases.
While Berti is more of a supplementary player than a regular starter, his speed is a valuable asset. He ranks in the 94th percentile for sprint speed, which the Yankees can certainly utilize in the coming weeks.
**Roster Adjustments**
The Yankees recently activated newly acquired outfielder Duke Ellis for his speed, but Berti will likely replace him on the active roster once his rehab is complete. With the postseason approaching, every strategic move is crucial, and Berti’s return could provide the Yankees with a significant boost in versatility and speed.
