Pair of Yankees Sluggers Nearing Return From Injury

The New York Yankees could be getting close to having two of their sluggers rejoin the team from the injured list.

The New York Yankees' offense has been a major topic of discussion throughout the season. They are currently have the second fewest hits in the MLB (972) and the second worst batting average (.229). They also rank in the bottom half for runs scored (548) and OPS (.704).

It's a far cry from the Yankees' offense in recent years that was putting up monstrous offensive numbers during the regular season.

The lineup could be getting a boost in the coming weeks with a pair of their sluggers potentially returning from the injured list.

According to MLB.com, both first baseman Anthony Rizzo and third baseman Josh Donaldson faced live pitching on Saturday.

Rizzo has been on the IL since Aug. 3 after dealing with post-concussion symptoms. It was his first live pitching that he faced since Aug. 1, the day before he was diagnosed. Donaldson has been on the injured list since July 16 when he suffered a calf strain.

The first baseman would be the first to return out of the two players since he was placed on the 10-day IL. Manager Aaron Boone previously said "it's realistic" to think that he would return this season at some point and facing live pitching certainly points to that notion. Prior to the injury, Rizzo was hitting .304/.376/.505 with 11 home runs in 53 games.

Donaldson isn't eligible to return until Sept. 15 since he was placed on the 60-day IL. Facing live pitching isn't his only hurdle as he'll likely be given rehab assignments in the minor leagues before returning to New York. Boone also thinks that the third baseman will return to the team at some point in September.