BOSTON — The Yankees initially planned on having Harrison Bader in the lineup for their series opener against the Red Sox on Friday, but the two sides agreed to delay the centerfielder’s return.
Bader’s first rehab game at Double-A Somerset went well from a health standpoint — he went 0-for-4 on Wednesday — per Aaron Boone. But Boone said the team and player felt it would be best for Bader to play in one or two more rehab games before coming back from a hamstring strain suffered on May 29.
Boone noted that Bader relies heavily on his legs and that hamstrings can be tricky, so the speedster wants to be “100% when patrolling centerfield” and running the bases. Boone said that Bader will play the field in Somerset on Friday and Saturday or Sunday, depending on the weather.
Bader would then rejoin the Yankees on their upcoming homestand. Boone expected him to be active Tuesday, but he didn’t rule out Bader returning sooner than that.
“We’ll see even about moving it up,” Boone said.
Bader, who began the season on the injured list with an oblique strain, hit .267/.295/.511 with six homers, 19 RBI and six stolen bases over 26 games before his hamstring sidelined him again.
RODON READY FOR REHAB ASSIGNMENT
Boone said the plan is for Carlos Rodon to begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday after throwing live batting practice in Somerset on Thursday.
Boone anticipates the southpaw needing three minor league starts. Rodon will shoot for three innings and about 45 pitches in his first start. The goal would be to have him built up to the 70-75 pitch range for his Yankees debut.
Rodon, the Yankees’ biggest offseason addition, initially suffered a forearm strain in spring training. Nagging back issues then delayed his rehab process.
The 30-year-old went 27-13 with a 2.67 ERA and two All-Star nods with the White Sox and Giants the last two seasons before signing a six-year, $162 million deal with the Yankees over the winter.
THE LATEST ON HAMILTON
Breakout reliever Ian Hamilton (groin) also threw live batting practice at Somerset on Thursday. Like Rodon’s, the session went well.
Boone said the righty will throw again Sunday and could potentially begin his rehab assignment then.
OTHER INJURY UPDATES
Boone added that Nestor Cortes (rotator cuff strain) could potentially start throwing on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Loaisiga (bone spur/elbow surgery) recently started his throwing program by playing catch on Monday.