New York Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr returned to the lineup on September 4, 2026. He missed the previous 4 games with inflammation in the patella tendon of the right knee.

George Lombard Jr.’s decision to return after 4 games from injury was a mistake. Over the last few years, the organization has mishandled several injuries, leading to delayed recovery or worsening injury outcomes.

A Pattern of Mismanaged Injuries by Yankees

On September 10, 2023, the New York Yankees announced that outfielder Jasson Domínguez suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Manager Aaron Boone revealed that Domínguez had elbow discomfort on September 3, 2023.

“According to Boone and Domínguez, the injury can be traced to his third game in the Majors, a Sept. 3 contest against the Astros in Houston. Domínguez said that he “felt like something wasn’t right” pregame, but he could still play, hitting his second big league homer in a Yankees win.”

Despite knowing he had the early stages of an elbow injury, New York allowed him to play five more games before declaring him out for the season.Jason wasn’t the only injury that the organization mishandled.

On March 14, 2024, Gerrit Cole was diagnosed with right elbow inflammation and nerve irritation. This injury kept him out until June 1, 2024. Gerrit Cole remained healthy for the rest of the season, playing a significant role in the team’s run to the World Series.

Once the season was over, the Yankees should have sent him for medical imaging of his elbow to see if it had worsened. Medical testing allows the organization to know if the ligament is completely torn. Consequently, the organization has more time to find a replacement for him.

Unfortunately, the Yankees did not take this plan of action. Consequently, the organization had no replacement going into the 2025 season. During 2025 spring training, the Yankees announced that he would miss the season due to a torn UCL.

Anthony Volpe: Navigating a Torn Labrum Mid-Season

Two months later, the New York Yankees organization mishandled an injury involving another player. On May 3, 2025, shortstop Anthony Volpe felt a pop in his left shoulder while diving for a ball against the Tampa Bay Rays. 

He continued to be the starting shortstop for the rest of the season. After the season was over, the organization disclosed that he had suffered a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder that was going to require surgery.

Furthermore, the organization went on to disclose that he received two cortisone injections in his left shoulder during the All-Star break.

There are many more examples, but these are three that come to mind. Given the Yankees’ track record, the Lombard family should strongly consider obtaining a second medical opinion regarding the patella tendon to help prevent a long-term injury.