Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez placed on 10-day DL

Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez is headed to the DL. The timetable for his return is unknown.

Gary Sanchez exited the game against the Orioles Saturday night after suffering a right bicep strain.

MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch has reported that Sanchez will go on the 10-day DL due to the injury. He also added that there is no timetable for his return.

Gary Sanchez is going on the 10-day disabled list. No timetable yet for recovery. Kyle Higashioka will join the team in Baltimore tomorrow.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) April 8, 2017

Sanchez, 24, was a revelation for the Yankees in 2016 as a rookie. The young backstop scorched a batting line of .299/.376/.657. He also popped 20 homers in 229 plate appearances as well. Sanchez is a big part of the Yankees’ youth movement going forward but this injury is definitely some cause for concern.

Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards also recently went on the DL for the same type of injury. Indications so far are that Sanchez’s injury appears to be much more serious.

Austin Romine took over in Sanchez’s absence during the game. Unfortunately, losing Sanchez wasn’t the only thing that didn’t go their way, as they also lost 5-4 against the Orioles Saturday night. Gary Sanchez went 0-2 at the plate before exiting because of the injury.

Sanchez did not have a great start to the 2017 season thus far in the early going. He had a .150 average and .190 OBP. He has also struck out four times over the course of those five games.

Without Sanchez behind the plate, the Yankees starting pitching staff could struggle as he is also known as one of the best defensive catchers in the game. Given the fact that he has such a special arm behind the plate, the Yankees will likely take their time and not rush him back. New York doesn’t figure to be in the postseason conversation in 2017 so there is no reason to hurry him back before he is ready.

Aug 27, 2016; Williamsport, PA, USA; A general view of some game balls during the game between the Asia-Pacific Region and Latin America Region at Howard J. Lamade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

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