Oswaldo Cabrera’s recent ankle injury deeply concerns the New York Yankees and their fans. The 26-year-old utility player fractured his left ankle during a gruesome accident in a game against the Seattle Mariners on Monday night. Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Cabrera is facing surgery on the ankle.

While the team awaits further evaluation to determine how long Cabrera will be out, the Yankees’ own history provides some context for potential recovery timelines.

In 2012, Derek Jeter suffered a similar injury, fracturing his left ankle during the ALCS. He underwent surgery and was initially expected to recover in four to five months. However, complications extended his absence, and he played only 17 games the following season

Andy Pettitte, in 2012, fractured his left fibula at his ankle after being hit by a line drive. He did not require surgery and returned to the mound approximately 11 weeks later.

Greg Bird’s experience in 2017-18 involved surgery to remove a bone spur from his right ankle, sidelining him for six to eight weeks. Despite the relatively short recovery period, Bird faced ongoing ankle issues that affected his performance.

Cabrera’s injury appears severe, and while the absence of emergency surgery is a positive sign, the exact recovery timeline will depend on the specifics of his condition and treatment plan. The Yankees will likely provide updates following consultations with specialists.

In the interim, the team has activated DJ LeMahieu from the injured list to help fill the void left by Cabrera’s absence.

The Yankees sent Cabrera back to New York, on the Steinbrenner family’s private plane, to see specialists who will determine the next step.