Around the Empire: Yankees news - 9/7/19

NY Post | Dan Martin: The biggest hurdle to the return of two big Yankees pitchers is here. Luis Severino and Dellin Betances both appeared in a rehab game down in Double-A Trenton on Friday. This was the longest outing either player has made this season outside of spring training, and barring any setbacks, puts them on pace to return shortly to the big league club.

NJ.com | Brian Fonseca: Many Yankee fans see manager Aaron Boone as the clear-cut frontrunner for Manager of the Year after the second-year skipper has guided the team through a mountain of injuries. Boone has definitely had a successful run maneuvering through the roster decisions the team has had to make, but the Yankee payroll bolstering the team may skew voters opinions towards clubs like Cleveland, Oakland, and Tampa Bay.

NY Daily News | Kristie Ackert: Gary Sanchez went through his worst professional season last year, struggling both offensively and defensively while also dealing with health issues. During that time, the Yankee catcher got advise from an unlikely ally: Red Sox legend David Ortiz. Ortiz encouraged Sanchez to continue focusing on developing his defense which has paid dividends in 2019. Sanchez, alongside teammate Edwin Encarnacion, visited Ortiz recently to support him after Ortiz dealt with a near-fatal shooting incident earlier this year.

ESPN | AP: Giancarlo Stanton isn’t quite at the level of progression that Severino or Betances is at currently, but the star slugger is making his way. Stanton participated in a sim game on Friday, getting five plate appearances as he works his way back from a strained knee ligament. Also, Jacoby Ellsbury apparently is still working on his rehab, and got a workout indoors in the Yankees’ Tampa complex.