TAMPA — The clock is ticking on Ben Rortvedt’s probabilities of being prepared by Opening Day.
The Yankees catcher, who was a part of the blockbuster commerce with the Twins this month, took one other step in his rehab from a proper indirect pressure Sunday, catching a bullpen session for the primary time since he was sidelined. However he's nonetheless taking solely dry swings, placing his availability for the April 7 opener at risk.
“I don’t need to rule it out, but in addition probably not certain at this level,” Rortvedt mentioned Sunday. “Simply attempting to be sensible about it shifting ahead so it doesn’t linger.”
Rortvedt, who believes he sustained the harm from a heavy workload of swings earlier than the lockout was lifted, mentioned he doesn’t have any drawback throwing or working. He has beforehand felt the indirect on the extension of his swing, however that has not been the case the final two days whereas taking dry swings.
Although Rortvedt, identified for his protection, is itching to hurry up the method and get into video games as quickly as attainable, he is aware of the Yankees are doing the appropriate factor by “holding the leash on me.”
“Truthfully, understanding myself, it’s in all probability good they’re sort of holding me again or else I in all probability would have torn this factor a brand new one,” Rortvedt mentioned. “It’s smarter.”
Throughout the lockout, when he was nonetheless on the Twins, Rortvedt labored out at Yankees director of well being and efficiency Eric Cressey’s facility in West Palm Seaside. There, he caught for pitchers together with Justin Verlander, however ended up overdoing it along with his swing.
“I’m sort of a mix of I’m in fairly good condition but in addition I handle myself from a flexibility standpoint,” Rortvedt mentioned. “It was only a freak [injury] but in addition a workload factor I believe. Simply one thing to handle, watch my swings to any extent further. Truthfully it was simply coming in ultra-prepared and it occurred. It was fairly annoying.”
If Rortvedt will not be able to go by Opening Day, the Yankees might want to add one other catcher to the 40-man roster to again up Kyle Higashioka. Supervisor Aaron Boone talked about David Freitas, Max McDowell and Rob Brantly — all of whom are in large league camp — as potential candidates.
“I believe they’ve all had their moments,” Boone mentioned. “Freitas … has gotten some hits, we really feel like he’s made some progress behind the plate. McDowell is a very, actually good defensive catcher. Rob has been with us, has some left-handed thump to him. So I believe there’s instances to be made for all of them.”
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