ESPN: The Yankees announce another major injury concern with ten days remaining.

Another day, another injury concern for the New York Yankees. This time it was Paul Goldschmidt, with a strained back. The team and the first baseman, however, are playing down any worries regarding his availability on Opening Day. After three innings, Goldschmidt was pulled early from Monday’s game, but the seasoned pitcher says there is no reason for concern.

Max Goodman of NJ.com is quoted as saying, “I played a few innings, could’ve played the whole game,” by Goldschmidt. “But in spring training, you just try to be smart.” Aaron Boone, the manager of the Yankees, reiterated the notion, stating that Goldschmidt was originally scheduled to have Tuesday off and that he anticipates seeing him return to the field on Wednesday. When asked what he was worried about, Goldschmidt said without hesitation, “Zero.” Goldschmidt said that he had been enduring a back ache for around five days. Given that he is 37 years old and attempting to recover from the worst season of his career, this is troubling.

A Yankees club that has been hammered by injuries this spring will undoubtedly examine any possible problem more thoroughly. They have already lost Giancarlo Stanton for a long time, Gerrit Cole for the season, and Luis Gil for months. A number of relievers are also anticipated to miss the season’s first game, while DJ LeMahieu is still recovering. Fortunately, Goldschmidt has been fantastic at the plate this spring, slashing.313 with three home runs and a 1.077 OPS in 13 games. The Yankees will need Goldschmidt’s strength in the middle of the lineup to make up for Stanton’s absence.

To keep the 37-year-old healthy for the regular season, this was probably a precaution. However, even the smallest setbacks feel like just another cause to clutch their breath, as the Yankees’ injury list continues to rise.