Gary Sanchez exits Yankees game with leg injury

Tropicana Field is terrible.

In the top of the tenth today, while trying to beat out a double play, Yankee catcher Gary Sanchez pulled something in his right leg. He was forced to leave the game and his status at this time is unclear.

Sanchez grabbed at his right thigh after crossing first, suggesting it may be a groin pull or something similar. He has battled calf soreness already this year, but he didn’t look to grab at his calf or otherwise favor it. I’m not sure whether a nagging injury or a brand new one is better news here.

Austin Romine has taken over, and with three straight games upcoming you can bet he’s the de facto starting catcher. Behind him, there’s very little in terms of catching depth. Kyle Higashioka is still on the 40-man roster, but he has posted just 66 wRC+ in Triple-A so far in 2018. After a disappointing stint in the majors last season, it doesn’t look like Higgy is a great replacement option at this point.

We’ll give you all an update once we hear more about Sanchez’s injury, and whether or not a DL stint is imminent. Gary really didn’t look good walking off the field, but let’s hold out hope it’s a cramp or minor twinge brought on by the length of today’s game.