Around the Empire: Yankees news - 9/25/18

MLB | Bryan Hoch: Didi Gregorius is optimistic about his chances of returning to the Yankees this season. Sir Didi’s wrist is apparently taking to the cortisone shot he received on Sunday. The shortstop said that his wrist felt “way better” than it did on Saturday.

Outsports | Jim Buzinski: Earlier this year, the Yankees announced that they’ll finally host a Pride event in 2019, and on Monday, the team also announced they’ll award five $10,000 scholarships to LGBTQ teens in New York City. One student from each borough will receive an award. The Yankees were the last team in the league to plan a pride event, so this is long overdue.

NJ.com | Brendan Kuty: Zach Britton has really enjoyed his time with the Yankees this season, and he’d “love to be back” next year. At face value, that’s great news. Britton is a fantastic pitcher, and he makes a strong bullpen even better. However, it is that time of year where soon-to-be free agents start talking about how much they love their current team. The cynic in me can’t help but wonder if this is a tactic to help him get stronger offers from around the league.

Some bad news from Twitter on Monday:

It would appear that Domingo Acevedo is not healthy enough to play in the Arizona Fall League this year. The right-hander has dealt with arm injuries all year. He went out with a biceps injury a few weeks ago. Details are currently scarce, but biceps would be my guess.

SNY.tv | Danny Abriano: The Yankees would love to bring Andrew McCutchen back on a reasonable deal. McCutchen has been an on-base machine and has been an invaluable addition to the lineup while the Yankees have dealt with injuries the last few weeks. If the Yankees choose not to bring back Brett Gardner, keeping McCutchen makes a lot of sense.