Paul Goldschmidt doesn’t want New York Yankees fans to worry any more about injuries. With several players already sidelined, concerns grew when he exited the game unexpectedly after just three innings.
However, Goldschmidt’s latest statement could provide some relief. The Yankees slugger assured fans he’ll be ready for Opening Day, saying there’s “zero concern” about being ready for the regular season.
As for his back, Goldschmidt downplayed the issue: “My back has just been a little sore.” Manager Aaron Boone ultimately made the call to pull him early. “So [Boone] just made the decision to stop there after three innings. I can play a few innings; I could have probably played the whole game.”
Goldschmidt is focused on staying healthy for the MLB regular season and didn’t want to take any risks in Spring Training. “In Spring Training, you just try to be smart. This was probably a time there’s no need to push through something and make it more sore.”
What Would the Yankees Lose if Goldschmidt Can’t Return on Time?
Goldschmidt’s absence could be a significant blow for the Yankees. According to Baseball Reference projections, he is expected to have nearly 600 plate appearances this season, potentially delivering 22 home runs and over 130 hits. These contributions would be a major asset for the Bombers, provided he stays healthy for the majority of the season.
Goldschmidt Comes Off Four Strong Seasons with the Cardinals
It’s worth noting that his last four seasons with the Cardinals were exceptional, setting high expectations for his performance with the Yankees, especially as a first baseman—one of the most demanding positions. Over the past four years, he accumulated 2,671 plate appearances, averaging over 600 per season. Additionally, he contributed an impressive total of 113 home runs, averaging 28 per season, and 367 runs scored, with an annual average of 92.