NEW YORK -- Paul Goldschmidt, the veteran first baseman for the New York Yankees, is currently dealing with a low-grade right knee sprain, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Yankees’ medical staff is closely evaluating his condition, and it’s highly likely he’ll be placed on the injured list (IL) before the weekend games. The team will conduct a thorough assessment during their scheduled day off, culminating in a decision before Friday’s crucial matchup against the Cardinals. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the situation, stating, "He’s dealing with something so we’ll see if it’s an IL situation." Boone noted Goldschmidt’s discomfort following Tuesday’s 9-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Goldschmidt sustained the injury while aggressively pursuing a foul pop ball hit by Byron Buxton in the third inning. The veteran first baseman stumbled and fell while attempting to secure the catch on the grass, directly after overrunning the ball along the Yankees’ dirt track near the dugout. Despite the initial pain, Goldschmidt bravely remained in the game and delivered a valuable double in the seventh inning. However, with the Yankees holding a commanding eight-run lead, manager Aaron Boone opted to remove him from the lineup. Goldschmidt himself described the incident, stating, "When I kind of overran it and dove back, hit my knee on the ground I guess." He acknowledged the discomfort but ultimately felt he could continue playing, which he did successfully. Goldschmidt’s performance this season has been noteworthy, boasting a .404 batting average against left-handed pitching, alongside 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in 112 games. His fielding percentage stands at a commendable .996, although he has committed three errors this season.

The Yankees have utilized Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger at first base during his absence. Bellinger, a seasoned veteran with 273 starts at first base in his nine-year career, expressed his appreciation for Goldschmidt’s contributions, describing him as a "vacuum" defensively. Goldschmidt’s arrival with the Yankees came after signing a one-year, $12.5 million contract in December, following six successful seasons with the Cardinals. This contract reflects his previous achievement as a former National League Most Valuable Player. The team’s upcoming series against the Cardinals presents a significant opportunity for Goldschmidt to demonstrate his recovery and regain his position as a key contributor to the Yankees lineup. The medical staff's decision regarding his IL placement will undoubtedly impact the team’s strategy and overall performance moving forward. Monitoring Goldschmidt’s progress and the potential impact of his injury will be a focal point for Yankees fans and analysts alike.