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Reports: Tyler Austin fractures foot, out minimum of six weeks

Tyler Austin will be sidelined at least six weeks with a broken navicular bone in his right foot, according to multiple reports. Austin suffered the injury after fouling a ball off of his foot. It was not a guarantee, but Austin looked primed to make the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career. Instead, he will be in a boot for at least three weeks, making it highly unlikely Austin is healthy when the regular season starts.

The Yankees’ signing of Chris Carter looks really smart right about now. I wrote about how Carter’s signing could force Austin to the minors. Now, with Austin temporarily out of the equation, Carter’s role has become much clearer, likely serving as the backup 1B/DH. You can never have enough depth.

As for Austin, the injury could have come at a worse time. If he’s indeed held out of baseball activity for six weeks, he should be able to return to the field around May. When Austin is healthy, the Yankees will have to decide whether to send him to Triple-A or the majors. At this point there might not be room for him on the big league roster. However, these things usually work themselves out. For now, Austin will turn his attention to rehabbing while the Yankees will try to keep the rest of the team healthy.

Photo: USA Today Sports

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