The high-flying New York Yankees learned some crushing news over the weekend. Their reliever Michael King has an elbow fracture and will be out for the remainder of the year.
King, who has been the best reliever for AL East-leading Yankees this season, suffered the injury in Friday’s 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles. The 27-year-old player exited the game in the eighth inning after facing Baltimore’s Ramon Urias. It was immediately clear that something was wrong, although manager Aaron Boone stopped short of confirming the team’s worst fears.
“He’s been one of the best pitchers in the league,” Boone told reporters after the game. “I hope and pray the best for King.”
“I know he’ll get back here and get back to the same spot he was in,” Yankees’ veteran righty Jameson Taillon added.
Michael King has been having his best campaign as a pro this year, posting a 6-3 record with career-best 2.29 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 34 appearances. The Rochester native is in his third full season with the Yankees.
The New York Yankees currently own the best record in MLB with 65 wins and 30 losses. They dropped six out of 10 last games but still have a 12.0 games advantage in their own division.
