Yankees P Chris Capuano strains right quad in spring game
New York Yankees lefthanded pitcher Chris Capuano left the team's spring training game against the Red Sox on Wednesday with a strained right quadriceps, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
Following an MRI on Wednesday, Capuano was diagnosed with a Grade 2 quadriceps strain, according to Hoch. His return date is unknown, but Capuano is expected to start the season on the disabled list. "I'd be surprised if he's not down for a while," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.
Capuano was seven pitches into his start when he left the mound to cover first base on a grounder by Brock Holt. Capuano caught a toss from first baseman Garrett Jones, but appeared to sustain the injury when he stepped on first base awkwardly. According to Hoch, Capuano hobbled up the right-field line, throwing the ball to the ground as he went.
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Capuano has been competing with Adam Warren, Esmil Rogers and Bryan Mitchell for a place in the Yankees' rotation and, according to Hoch, was forecasted to be New York's No. 4 or No. 5 starting pitcher. He joined the Yankees in July last year after being released by the Red Sox.
The 36-year-old signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the team in December. A ten-year veteran, he earned a 2-3 record in 12 games with the Yankees last year, recording a 4.25 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 65.2 innings. He has a career 4.28 ERA with a 76-87 record.
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New York finished last year 84-78 and in second place in the AL East. The Yankees begin the regular season on April 6, at home against the Toronto Blue Jays.
- Christopher Woody
