Aaron Judge Returns to Yankees Lineup

Aaron Judge made his return to the lineup on Saturday for the second consecutive game after missing the final match against the Rockies last Thursday. The Yankees are working to get their star player back into form.

In Friday’s win over the Mets at home, Judge played right field, but on Saturday, he was the designated hitter, finishing hitless in four at-bats during the Yankees’ 12-2 defeat against the Mets.

Before the game, manager Aaron Boone explained that he decided against having Judge back in right field for the day game following a night game, especially given it was his first week back after being sidelined for over three months due to a fractured right rib.

Boone mentioned that Judge might be given a rest day on either Sunday, the last game of the series against the Mets, or on Monday in Minnesota.

“He’s physically responded well,” Boone said regarding Judge’s early performances after his return. “That’s encouraging. He’s handled the rigors of playing in these games.”

After skipping a standard minor league rehabilitation stint, Judge has gone 3-for-14 with one walk, six strikeouts, and no extra-base hits in his first four games back.

“Offensively, I think he looks good over these past few days,” Boone noted. “Hopefully, he sharpens up as he plays more.”

Judge shared that he feels good and is seeing the ball well, while Boone praised his ability to make solid swing decisions and work deep into counts. “I’m encouraged by where he’s at. Hopefully, he continues to find that rhythm we know he’s capable of.”

The Yankees have eagerly anticipated Amed Rosario’s performance against left-handers, and he faced Zac Thornton on Saturday. Despite hitting the ball hard, Rosario didn’t achieve any results.

Boone expressed confidence in Rosario despite his struggles. “He’s having the right at-bats and represents a real threat,” he mentioned. “He hasn’t seen much success, but I trust he’ll return to form against lefties.”

Anthony Volpe took the field at second base over José Caballero, going 0-for-3 in the process.

Ryan Weathers threw off flat ground on Saturday as he aims to return from being sidelined for two weeks due to a left forearm flexor strain. Boone didn’t dismiss the idea of Weathers joining the roster even without minor league rehab games. “The hope is he’s pushed into a situation where he’s a little uncomfortable because he is healthy and ready to go,” Boone stated of Weathers, who could have a bullpen session as early as Monday.

When asked if Weathers might go straight to a postseason roster, Boone replied, “I don’t know. I’d like to think he’ll be back before then, but we’ll see.”

Clarke Schmidt was set to make his fifth, and likely final, minor league rehab appearance with Double-A Somerset as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. Boone remarked on Schmidt’s performance, saying, “I feel he’s thrown the ball well during games. He feels and looks good… Hopefully, he plays a role for us.”

In recent news, right-hander Chase Hampton, once viewed as the Yankees’ top pitching prospect two years ago, has been claimed off waivers by Washington and assigned to Double-A. Hampton was designated for assignment to create a spot on the 40-man roster for Judge’s return.

In a positive turn, Spencer Jones has now recorded three consecutive multihit games. Boone commented on his performance, saying, “He’s done a good job in certain situations by thinking a little smaller. He’s played a very mature game.”

Additionally, this season, the Yankees reached the milestone of surpassing 3 million fans for the 26th consecutive year with full attendance.