Matt Carpenter breaks foot in Yankees to win over Mariners

If Matt Carpenter’s season ends after he fractured his foot on Monday in Seattle, he might have joined at least some of the most prestigious companies. His shocking debut at the age of 36 has put his name alongside some of the best hitters in franchise history.

In 47 games and 154 hits on the board this season, Carpenter, a defensive player and designated hitter, averaged 0.305 with 15 home runs and 37 hitting layups. He has 1.138 on base as well as a slowdown percentage, which beats all Yankees hitters, including Aaron JudgeAnd it puts Carpenter in a really special area. The only former Yankees hitters to finish the season with an OPS above 1.100 on 150 or more board appearances? Babe Ruth (12 times), Lou Gehrig (7), Mickey Mantle (3) and Joe Dimaggio.

While the Hall of Famers have had more playing time – as did Judge – it’s still working to illustrate how successful Carpenter has been in his short time with the team since signing as a free agent in May.

Carpenter’s teammate Jameson Tellon told reporters after throwing seven hard runs Monday’s win 9-4 over sailors. “He came here right away and had an impact on a lot of people.”

Taeyeon added, “He’s not afraid to talk to the shooters. He’s not afraid to give honest feedback. He’s one of the best players I’ve been around and played with, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds his way back and makes an impact.”

Carpenter’s injury occurred in the first half of Monday’s game when he fouled Logan Gilbert in his left foot. He was visited by a coach and out on the next pitch, limping back into the dugout in palpable pain. Tim Lucastro replaced him in the squad.

Carpenter was in walking shoes after the match and told reporters that no timetable had been set for a possible return after the match. The Yankees put Carpenter on the injured list for 10 days on Tuesday and called up AAA class Miguel Andujar to replace him on the list.

“My mind is that this won’t be the end for me here this year,” he said. “I hope to come back and contribute.”

Carpenter, the 12-year-old veteran who was a three-time All-Star in his stint with the St. from injuries. During his last three seasons in St. Louis, he hit 0.203 with a .671 OPS

After Carpenter switched to a 2021 secondary season, the Cardinal declined to pick $18.5 million from the club’s 2022 option, paying him $2 million instead. He signed with the Texas Rangers in spring training and was named to the AAA Round Rock class, coming in at 0.275 in 21 games. Rangers then released him on May 19 by mutual decision with Carpenter, due to his lack of opportunity to join the big league club.

A week later, he signed with the Yankees with a bit of fanfare and mediocre expectations.

“It’s someone who’s been on our radar for the last couple of months,” manager Aaron Boone told reporters at the time. “We have been looking forward to him for a while as a left-handed racket off the bench. Just a professional left-sided guy, and we feel he can help us.”

Carpenter ended up being more than just a left-handed racket off the bench. Whether his dream season will be completed will be a big question. The Yankees still have the best record in the Major League, 71-39, but the Houston Astros erased what was once a fairly large gap between the two teams.