Around the Empire: Yankees news - 9/22/17

New York Post | Dan Martin: Brett Gardner was forced to leave Wednesday’s game against the Twins early after getting hit in the shoulder by a pitch. Gardner initially stayed in the game, but was eventually removed for a pinch-hitter, Clint Frazier. Gardner initially said “it could be worse” but now it looks like he might have to miss some time. Joe Girardi even admitted there was “some concern.”

New York Daily News | Peter Botte & Christian Red: In Wednesday’s game against the Twins, a young girl was struck in the face by a foul ball. Because of this, local politicians, MLB players and MLB are putting pressure on the Yankees to extend the protective netting to the foul poles. It’s unfortunate that this wasn’t already in place, but this needs to happen. Hopefully they’ll act and it doesn’t take a mandate from MLB for them to act accordingly.

LA Times | Chuck Schilken: The father of the young girl who was hit by the foul ball spoke with reporters at the hospital. He said that she’s “doing all right” and simply asked people to keep her in their thoughts. It’s still too early to tell if she’ll require surgery, but hopefully she’ll recover soon. Brian Dozier of the Twins and Aaron Judge both spoke out and said extending the protective netting is necessary in all ballparks.

USA Today | Steven Ruiz: Not much to this one, but if you can appreciate art, you’ll appreciate this. Artist Danny Duffy created a drawing of the old Yankee Stadium (more affectionately known as YSI) featuring the names of every Yankee who played at the Stadium. Take a look!