ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — If Xavier Nady doesn’t require Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, it will be a big upset.
While Nady and the Yankees are waiting until team doctor Chris Ahmad can look at the MRI results today and examine the injury, several of Nady’s teammates talked about it being a shame he needs the season-ending surgery the year before he becomes a free agent.
Nady was stuffed into the “Carl Pavano Memorial MRI Tube” yesterday morning and wasn’t encouraged by the results.
“The original diagnosis wasn’t great, but I’d rather let the team talk [today],” Nady said when asked of the MRI results. “It’s frustrating. It’s tough.”
Joe Girardi said the test result “is not good.” Nady, who will be placed on the disabled list today, left Tuesday night’s game in the seventh inning after a routine throw from right field to second base. Girardi said despite losing his starting right fielder, the Yankees don’t immediately need to add another outfielder.
“My initial reaction is not anything with an outfielder,” said Girardi, who will play switch-hitting Nick Swisher in right. “Maybe an infielder or another pitcher.”
Scranton infielder Kevin Russo left yesterday’s game against Buffalo in the fourth inning after having four hits Tuesday night, but it’s not likely he would be elevated. If the Yankees think a long man in the bullpen is needed, it could be Alfredo Aceves or Brett Tomko, who pitched two innings yesterday.
Because Austin Jackson isn’t ready for the big leagues and Shelley Duncan’s swing isn’t designed for spot duty, the Yankees may not fill Nady’s roster spot with an outfielder from within.
The Dodgers might be willing to trade Jason Repko, a 28-year-old with above average speed and a little pop. The Nationals are said to be entertaining offers for Austin Kearns.
The loss of Nady means Melky Cabrera moves into the fourth-outfielder spot.
“We were talking five for three spots, now we have four,” Girardi said. “We don’t have the depth we used to have. We have to deal with it.”