Cameron Maybin stayed on the roster after Aaron Judge’s return, but went down with a strained left calf Friday and was put on the 10-day injured list Sunday.
“I wouldn’t say I’m frustrated,’’ Maybin said. “I’m more bummed out about the situation. But it happened and I’ve got to take care of it and get back soon as I can.”
Aaron Boone, who’s team lost 9-4 to the Astros at the Stadium on Sunday, said the Yankees expects Maybin to miss about six weeks, but Maybin believes he can be back sooner.
“I feel better today and I’m pretty optimistic,” he said. “ … They always say people from the South heal faster.”
With Maybin on the IL, Nestor Cortes Jr. was called up from Triple-A Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre after being sent down Thursday to make room for Judge.
“It’s really good to get him back,’’ Boone said of Cortes, who has thrived in following Chad Green when the Yankees have used Green as an opener.
The Yankees played a man short Saturday, since Cortes wasn’t available to pitch and they wanted to get him back at some point. After Maybin went to the IL, Cortes could be recalled less than 10 days after being optioned.
The lefty should be able to pitch out of the bullpen Monday, when CC Sabathia is scheduled to start against Toronto.