Yankees' Brett Gardner could miss "significant amount of time" with abdominal strain

As they continue to play out the final month of the season, the New York Yankees will be without outfielder Brett Gardner, as the 31-year-old is likely to miss a "significant amount of time" after an MRI revealed an abdominal strain, per Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News. Gardner last played on Friday in a 1-0 loss to the Royals.

The loss of Gardner is rough news for the Yankees, as he has probably been their best position player this season, and was anchoring a lineup that ranks last in the American League in runs scored. The Yankees are still alive in the playoff race, though their odds are slim with a 5.5 game deficit for the final AL Wild Card spot. New York would have to jump five clubs in the standings to earn a postseason nod, and considering their lack of health (and talent overall), that seems to be out of the question,

Gardner signed a four-year, $52 million extension with the Yankees in February, and so far, the deal has worked out quite well for the organization. In 572 plate appearances this season, he has hit .269/.342/.442 with a 119 wRC+, .346 wOBA, and 3.7 fWAR. He is among the top defensive left fielders in baseball.

The Yankees have also been without Martin Prado, who has been dealing with a left hamstring strain. Prado was acquired in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks at this summer's July trade deadline, and has hit a solid .298/.322/.509 since joining the Yankees. He is expected to miss at least the next couple games, and may end up being done for the season.