The New York Yankees placed seven players on the injured list to open the season Thursday, including pitchers Luis Severino and Carlos Rodon and outfielder Harrison Bader.
In all, five pitchers — Frankie Montas, Tommy Kahnle and Lou Trivino join Severino and Rodon — went on the 15-day IL, all retroactive to March 27.
Bader and catcher Ben Rortvedt were placed on the 10-day IL, retroactive to March 27.
The Yankees recalled right-hander Jhony Brito from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and officially signed Anthony Volpe to a major league contract and selected him to the active roster. Volpe won the shortstop job.
Further, the Yankees moved right-handers Scott Effross and Luis Gil to the 60-day IL.
The Yankees entered spring with hopes of a rotation of Severino, Gerrit Cole, Rodon, Nestor Cortes and Montas. Only Cole and Cortes have stayed healthy.
The Yankees signed Rodon to a six-year, $162 million contract in December. He made just one spring start before sustaining a left forearm strain.
Severino sustained a low-grade lat strain. Right-hander Clarke Schmidt will start the second game of the regular season in Severino’s place.
Montas won’t return before the second half after shoulder surgery.
The Yankees open the season Thursday at home versus the San Francisco Giants.