Harrison Bader Injury Report: How badly could the Yankees be affected by the Bronxville Bomber's absence

Since coming to the New York Yankees at last season's trade deadline, New York Yankees star Harrison Bader has quickly become a fan favorite.

The 28-year old native of Bronxville, New York came to the Yankees from the St. Louis Cardinals last season ahead of a postseason that many believed would belong to the Yankees.

Since Harrison Bader had some years of playoff experience from his time in St. Louis, he immediately emerged as one of the most clutch hitters on the Yankees postseason squad.

Bader had 3 home runs and 4 RBIs in the Yankees' ALDS win over the Cleveland Guardians. He followed up his success with a pair of home runs and a pair of RBIs as the Yankees were swept by the Houston Astros in the 2022 ALCS.

"Harrison Bader has the 2nd most HR by a Yankees CF in a single postseason. He discusses the #ALCS game one loss, and more" - @ YES Network

Heading into the 2023 season, Harrison Bader was the odds-on favorite to occupy the centerfield position. Flanked by Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge, two generational talents, Bader would finally have the stage that he deserved.

In early March 2023, it was announced that Bader suffered a right oblique strain. Although no official timing was given in the press release, oblique strains typically take around a month to heal.

"Aaron Boone says that Harrison Bader will likely start the season on the IL with a left oblique strain, per @maxtgoodman" - Talkin' Yanks

Bader's injury throws an array of new challenges, but also new opportunities for his team. After Bader's acquisition, center fielder Aaron Hicks was seen as the odd man out. However, after hitting only .216 with 8 home runs, New York Yankees fans aren't exactly jumping to put him back in center field.

Other options include positioning 21-year old outfielder Spencer Jones in center field. Jones is a 6-foot-7 power hitter who is often compared to Aaron Judge. The 2022 Yankees first-rounder has already seen some action this spring, and is slated to start as the Yankees take on the Philadelphia Phillies later today.

The New York Yankees can count their lucky stars that Harrison Bader is not out for longer

As painful as Bader's absence will be, the Yankees can only thank the heavens that he will not be out for longer. While the team wants Bader, a former Gold Glover, back as soon as possible, perhaps the hole left in the lineup will allow for some interesting combinations in the early stages of the season.