MLB Spring Training 2012: Austin Romine Still out with Back Inflammation
March 3, 2012 · Bill Ford · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
New York Yankees top catching prospect Austin Romine is still out due to back inflammation. Manager Joe Girardi said on Wednesday that Romine suffered a little bit of a setback.
Romine was sidelined last week and was originally expected to only miss a day of spring training workouts.
He will continue working in rehabilitation to regain his health, and will not rush to get back onto the field.
Girardi is concerned about Romine’s back stability and plans to let him take his time getting back into spring training workouts to make sure that he is strong.
Playing in both Double-A and Triple-A in 2011, Romine played in 89 games, got 98 hits, 13 doubles, six home runs and 48 RBI with a .279 batting average.
He is a strong candidate to be the backup catcher this season, and will likely become the everyday starting catcher in the future.
Girardi plans to give him playing time to develop him and season him in the majors. He will get some good, quality playing time in spring training this year, but for now the focus should remain on his health. Pushing him too hard right now could have severe repercussions.
Rehabilitation and conditioning should help Romine get back into regular playing shape soon. The Yankees appear to have taken his back problems very seriously, which should enable him to achieve a full and quick recovery.
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