Around the Empire: Yankees news - 7/17/20

New York Post | George A. King III and Dan Martin: The Yankees expect to get a key contributor back from the injured list soon, as DJ LeMahieu finishes up his coronavirus quarantine. The team announced back on July 4 that the second baseman had tested positive for COVID-19, so he did not join them for summer camp. It’s unclear if LeMahieu will have enough time to get ready for Opening Day, but this is great news on multiple levels. From a baseball perspective, the Bombers will get one of their best players back, as he hit .327/.375/.518 with 26 home runs (136 wRC+) last year. On a personal level, it’s a relief that he’s healthy

The Washington Post | Jesse Dougherty and Dave Sheinin: The Yankees are scheduled to kick off the 2020 MLB season one week from today at Nationals Park in Washington D.C. Plans might have to change, however, because the nation’s capital has coronavirus restrictions that would prevent the game from playing. Potential alternative sites include Fredericksburg, Virginia or West Palm Beach, Florida.

NJ.com | Brian Fonseca: Masahiro Tanaka gave us the scare of the season at the opening of summer camp. The right-hander took a 112 mph line drive off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton to the head. Thankfully Tanaka only suffered a mild concussion, which should not be taken lightly, but all things considered, represents the best case scenario. Tanaka threw his first bullpen since the incident, and he came out of it well. It’s unknown if he can make it back in time to start the season, but hey, this is as good as it gets.

And, lastly, the Yankees made some roster cuts, with Domingo Acevedo the biggest name in the group: