New York Yankees Outfielder Dealing With Back Injury

This New York Yankees outfielder is dealing with a back injury.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees' outfield depth has taken a hit.

Outfielder Billy McKinney is out of the lineup on Saturday as he is dealing with back stiffness.

According to manager Aaron Boone, he is a bit "beat up," but played through it on Friday and should be available off the bench of Saturday against the Boston Red Sox.

McKinney went 1-for-3 with a single on Friday and was lifted for Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the ninth inning.

“I thought he played effectively [yesterday],” Boone said. “I don’t think it’s a big deal.”

Greg Allen is starting in place of McKinney in left field, which is his first start since July 30. Boone cited Allen's athleticism being a good complement for ace Gerrit Cole, who is a fly ball pitcher.

With McKinney hurt and Jake Bauers in the midst of a 3-for-35 slump, the Yankees have the option of calling up No. 3 ranked prospect Everson Pereira. Pereira is hitting .311 with an .887 OPS in 33 games with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders

Boone was asked about Pereira and top catching prospect Austin Wells on Friday. The skipper said both players are on the Yankees' "radar" and "we'll see," regarding whether they will be called up in the near future.

Pereira is on the Yankees' 40-man roster, so they wouldn't have trouble calling him up if they choose to do so. 

Fellow outfielder Estevan Florial could also be an option, but he is not on the 40-man roster, so the Yankees would have to clear room for him.