Yankees Anticipate Judge’s Return to Lineup
ARLINGTON, Texas – The Yankees are on the cusp of a significant boost in their lineup with the potential return of Aaron Judge, who stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 282 pounds.
Judge aimed to be back from the injured list on Tuesday, the first day he was eligible, after missing ten days due to a right flexor strain in his elbow. He traveled to Texas on Monday afternoon.
Aaron Boone mentioned he had not yet communicated directly with Judge, so he refrained from making a definitive statement prior to Monday’s game against the Rangers.
Nevertheless, Judge had been preparing for his return, reportedly taking around 20 live batting practice sessions at the Yankees’ Minor League facility in Tampa over the weekend.
“His impact on our lineup is significant,” Boone stated. “We’re definitely eager to have him back. Let’s hope he can soon be back out there.”
When Judge returns, he will primarily serve as the designated hitter for a while. He is expected to initiate a throwing program shortly after settling back from the IL.
Once he begins throwing again—something he struggled with during his last game on July 25—the Yankees will start to consider how soon he might return to right field.
“It will depend on how his arm responds,” Boone remarked.
Until then, Giancarlo Stanton is likely to take on more of a bench role. Boone has left the door open for Stanton’s potential outfield play for the first time since 2023, but given his history of significant leg injuries and elbow tendonitis, it’s uncertain if that will materialize.
Boone clarified that Stanton wouldn’t be playing in the outfield against the Rangers but could potentially step in during the team’s return to Yankee Stadium on Friday.
Since Judge has been sidelined, Stanton has engaged in some light training in the outfield, yet there are no clear signs that he’s close to playing there. If Judge’s throwing regimen doesn’t go well, it may become easier for Stanton to start playing in the field, but for now, it’s not a decision the Yankees have made.
“I get it,” Boone acknowledged. “I’m not ruling out the possibility of him being back in the field when we return home, but it’s probably not going to happen here.”
Meanwhile, the Yankees are looking at Jackson Dominguez in left field, with Trent Grisham in center, and Cody Bellinger holding down the right side.
As the series against the Rangers commenced on Monday, the Yankees had a record of 4-5 since Judge’s last appearance. They’ve been managing just 4.88 runs per game during this stretch. His absence was particularly noticeable in their last two games against the Marlins, where both starters held the Yankees to just three runs.
Prior to his injury, Judge was en route to another AL MVP season, boasting a .342 batting average with 37 home runs and a 1.160 OPS. His defensive contributions, especially in right field, will have to wait for a while.
However, Judge is returning to a team that has struggled to stay above .500 for over two months. His presence could reinvigorate the squad, though it’s uncertain if it will be a cure-all for their prolonged struggles.
