ESPN: The Yankees report yet another troubling injury setback.

This type of fluctuating injury report is what makes New York Yankees supporters insane. The 37-year-old first baseman and former National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt was set to play again on Wednesday after missing Monday’s game due to a back injury. Instead, Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a troubling change, according to Greg Joyce of the New York Post. If Goldschmidt completes baseball-related tasks without incident on Thursday, his return has been postponed until Friday.

That makes an already injury-plagued spring training even more suspect and questionable. Even the smallest setbacks feel like warning signs given the Yankees’ previous injury history.

After only three innings, Goldschmidt departed Monday’s game and assured reporters he was not worried about missing Opening Day. His return to spring training games is now scheduled for just six days before the Yankees play the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium to start the season. Goldschmidt’s back problem might not seem like a big deal just now, but at 37, any persistent ailment is worth keeping an eye on. He was acquired by the Yankees this summer in the hopes that he would stabilize the lineup both defensively and offensively. Although he still has time to get prepared for Opening Day, back issues may be challenging, particularly for more seasoned athletes.

Furthermore, the Yankees haven’t had the finest luck in terms of injuries, let’s face it.
Gerrit Cole has Tommy John surgery and is already gone for the season. Due to a lat strain, Luis Gil has been out for months. Due to a strained shoulder, Clarke Schmidt may be placed on the disabled list. Carlos Rodón is still up in the air. That only includes the pitching staff. Their starting first baseman is now battling a back problem. Goldschmidt must be a vital component of the Yankees’ attack. Given that Giancarlo Stanton is already out of the lineup due to tendinitis in both elbows, the back condition could be a major setback if it persists or, worse, becomes a persistent concern.

Boone and the Yankees are playing down the worry for the time being. However, if Friday passes without Goldschmidt returning to the lineup, the Bronx’s concerns will begin to grow.