The Yankeesare juggling more than just lineup cards these days. With Aaron Judge officially on the 10-day injured list and uncertainty surrounding his elbow, manager Aaron Boone is eyeing Giancarlo Stanton for a new role-one that hasn’t been part of his regular routine in years.
Stanton, typically parked in the DH spot, is now being considered for a return to the outfield. Boone confirmed he’s had conversations with the slugger about the possible move, emphasizing the need to adjust on the fly with Judge’s bat-and arm-out of commission.
“We’re still waiting on more info,”Boone told reporters, referring to Judge’s elbow, which is being evaluated by team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad. “But we’re already thinking about how we’re going to shift things around.”
Outfield Shuffle Could Define the Yankees’ Next Few Weeks
Judge’s absence comes at a brutal time. The Yankees have dropped 15 of their last 24 and now sit six games back of the first-place Blue Jays after Saturday’s 9-4 loss to the Phillies. Without their MVP in the lineup, Boone’s options grow thinner-and riskier.
Stanton hasn’t played more than 33 games in the outfield since 2023. While he’s looked healthy since returning from the IL this season-batting .277 with 7 home runs-playing defense again could test his durability.
The move isn’t just about Stanton’s glove. It’s about keeping the offense afloat. Judge’s numbers this season (.342/.449/.711, 37 HR, 85 RBI) are irreplaceable. But someone has to help pick up the slack.
Boone is also leaning on newcomers like Cody Bellinger, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Trent Grisham, hoping a combination of power and versatility can keep the Yankees competitive in the playoff race. The Wild Card remains in sight-for now.
“Judge changes the game every time he steps in the box,” Boone said. “But the rest of this group is capable. They know what’s at stake.”
The coming days will reveal more about Judge’s elbow, but the urgency is clear. The Yankees need a spark, and Boone’s betting that shaking things up-including Stanton’s role-might just be what lights it.
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