The New York Yankees activated shortstop Didi Gregorius from the injured list on Friday, and he’s set to play in the weekend series against the Indians in Cleveland.
Gregorius has been on the shelf since the 2018 American League Division Series when he injured his elbow on a throw home. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October.
He hit .156 over eight games during his rehab assignment, but manager Aaron Boone told reporters Thursday that statistic is insignificant and the team is happy to have him back.
“I don’t think I have to tell you guys what he has meant to our club in so many ways,” Boone said Thursday before the Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6-2. “To get a player like him back is exciting. Obviously, having a significant injury, the fact that everything has gone best-case scenario as far as him rehabbing, getting well and being in position to return now, it is exciting for all of us.”
In a corresponding move, the Yankees optioned infielder Thairo Estrada to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
In 25 games with the Yankees, the 23-year-old hit .280 with three home runs and 11 RBIs.
The team also moved infielder Troy Tulowitzki to the 60-day injured list. He hasn’t played since injuring his calf on April 3. The veteran hit .182 with one homer and one RBI in five games.