A very familiar face and important cog in the Yankees’ universe won’t greet the players in Tampa this week when spring training camp opens. The Post has learned that legendary athletic trainer Gene Monahan will miss his first spring training in 48 years due to what a person with knowledge of the situation termed a “significant illness that possibly could sideline him for the beginning of the regular season.”
Monahan has taken a medical leave of absence and is in the New York area undergoing treatments that are expected to last for the next couple of weeks.
The Yankees had no comment on the situation.
Monahan, whose age isn’t listed in the Yankees’ media guide but is in his 60s, is the longest-tenured head athletic trainer in the major leagues.
Assistant trainer Steve Donohue will fill in for Monahan. The Yankees haven’t decided who will assist Donohue while Monahan is out.