Around the Empire: Yankees news - 8/10/21

NJ.com | Brendan Kuty: The Yankees had been encouraged by Gio Urshela’s recovery from the hamstring strain that sent him to the shelf on August 3rd, and they were ready to activate him on Wednesday. Unfortunately, skipper Aaron Boone told reporters that the third baseman had suffered a setback — namely, that “he felt a little something” while taking grounders. Although the Yankees don’t think the setback is serious, he’s back in New York and won’t rejoin the team until next week at the earliest.

MLB Trade Rumors | Anthony Franco: Complicating matters further in the infield is the already-reported news that Gleyber Torres joined Urshela on the 10-day IL with a thumb sprain. The Yankees thought that all things considered, the MRI results were good news, which should tell you something about their initial fears after Torres’ awkward slide on Sunday. Still, he will be on the shelf for 10-20 days, and infielder Andrew Velazquez was called up to take Torres’ spot on the roster.

New York Daily News | Kristie Ackert: Speaking of Velazquez, the circumstances for his call-up might be odd considering that the former non-roster invitee to spring training was stashed in Triple-A and remained a long shot to appear in pinstripes, but it’s still a homecoming for him. The 27-year-old is a Bronx native, having been drafted by the D-backs in 2012 out of Fordham Prep, so having grown up in the shadow of both the new and old Yankee Stadium, it was a huge thrill for him to join the Yankees. In fact, the three-year player considered it essentially a second MLB debut and had to simply text his parents about it because he was too excited to call.

Also of note in Ackert’s article is that Luis Severino and Corey Kluber are progressing on their rehab assignments (though Domingo Germán has not begun throwing). Severino will make his third rehab outing on Friday and then the team will reassess where he might go next. On Thursday, Kluber will make his first appearance in a professional game since leaving the start after his no-hitter early on May 25th. He’ll appear at home for Double-A Somerset, so if you’re nearby and have any interest, get your tickets.

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Luke Voit didn’t shy away from the fact that it’s been a “really weird year” for him. The 2020 home run leader never expected to be in trade discussions or fighting for his job the following August, but, well, when you’ve spent all but 31 games on the shelf with various injuries and the team has an opportunity to add a hitter like Anthony Rizzo, then things can change. Voit doesn’t begrudge the Yankees for making the move, but he’s going to do everything he can to stay in the lineup.

More nights like last night will help.