Around the Empire: Yankees news - 7/6/20

NJ.com | Brendan Kuty: The great news at Yankees camp yesterday was that Masahiro Tanaka was back on-site and seemed like himself, according to Brett Gardner. Although it looks like Tanaka may have fortunately avoided serious injury after being hit in the head by a Giancarlo Stanton line drive two days ago, the Yankees proceeded with caution. James Paxton threw to Gary Sanchez and others from behind an L-Screen, something usually reserved for batting practice but was used for simulated games yesterday.

New York Post | Dan Martin: Although Yankees Summer Camp seemed to get off to a tumultuous start with Tanaka’s injury and positive COVID-19 tests for DJ LeMahieu and Luis Cessa, manager Aaron Boone was happy with how the rest of the baseball activities have been going. Jordan Montgomery said it has been hard to stop licking his fingers between pitches and Aaron Hicks is still getting used to wearing masks while working out, but the club is following the necessary precautions.

SNY | Alex Smith: Only one player in MLB history has had Tommy John surgery and been back for Opening Day without missing a game: Tony Womack in 2004. That club will likely expand in three weeks, as center fielder Aaron Hicks is completely ready to go after his October surgery. Although he does not feel “100 percent,” Hicks is “game-ready” both at the bat and in the field, which is a huge benefit for the Yankees.