Manager Aaron Boone said the Yankees have no immediate plans to waive Aaron Judge or Giancarlo Stanton, but there will be further discussions about that possibility.
The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 5-3 in the Bronx on Thursday, leaving them 7 1/2 games out of the Wild Card spot with nine games left in the season.
While they are not mathematically eliminated, their season is essentially, if not officially, over.
At least Judge and Stanton’s seasons could end early.
Judge has been moving better lately, but he still suffers from a ligament injury in his right big toe that he sustained in early June.
Coach Boone said Stanton is physically OK, but the struggling right fielder and DH has slumped offensively (he’s currently stuck in a 2-for-39 rut) and to protect himself from a lower-body injury. He also said there was a problem with base running.
Boone said the Yankees will have until the final game of the season on Oct. 1 to determine whether it would be better for Judge or Stanton to be in the seat, or if it would be better for both to be in the seat. I will pay close attention.”
“Of course we’ll talk to those guys, but we don’t have any plans.” [right now]” Coach Boone said before the game, in which Judge hit an RBI double and Stanton did not play.
The Yankees will play their final home game on Sunday before heading off on season-ending trips to Toronto and Kansas City.
Jake Bowers made his first start in a week in right field while Stanton sat.
The 27-year-old outfielder and first baseman has been kept to a minimum as the club focuses on young outfielders.
Bowers showed his continued effort, hitting his 12th three-run homer of the season in the first inning against Jose Berrios.
“I think the hardest thing is probably mentally, staying focused and staying locked in,” Bowers said. “Just keep going and keep showing up until your number is called.”
Everson Pereira was left out of the starting lineup for the seventh consecutive game due to a minor hamstring strain.
“I thought he was a pretty nice guy.” [Wednesday]“I hope we see how he does today and hopefully avoid an IL stint,” Boone said.
Boone was asked about his job security this season, and general manager Brian Cashman called it a “disaster.”
“I don’t really think about it,” Boone said. “It’s not ultimately my decision. My job is to do my best to prepare this team and put it in the best position not only tonight but going forward, and I’m going to continue to do that to the best of my ability.” I plan on continuing.”
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith bounced the first pitch to Kyle Higashioka and was lightly booed.
