The New York Yankees are playing a dangerous waiting game with their most important players.
Aaron Judge, who returned from the injured list two weeks ago, has yet to reclaim his defensive spot in right field.
Instead, the team has kept him exclusively as a designated hitter, and that won’t change during this week’s mini two-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Steinbrenner Field.
Manager Aaron Boone provided clarity on Tuesday, explaining that Judge will remain at DH for now, though there’s a chance he could return to the outfield during the upcoming home series against the Boston Red Sox.
Still, Boone admitted that Judge’s recovery from a right elbow flexor strain will likely prevent him from fully regaining his throwing ability this season.
“I don’t think we’re going to see him back to throwing like he normally does at any point this year,” Boone told reporters, via MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.
Stanton’s bat creates urgency for Judge’s return
For the Yankees, Judge‘s health isn’t just about keeping him in the lineup, it’s also about freeing up Giancarlo Stanton to do damage at the plate.
Stanton has stepped into right field on occasion, but his history of injuries makes it clear he isn’t a long-term option defensively. With Judge locked in as DH, the team has been forced to shuffle Stanton’s playing time.
“We’re trying to get through where [Judge] can let it go with ease and be able to protect himself,” Boone added, noting the delicate balance between Judge’s rehab and the team’s offensive needs.
That balance has been costly. Since Judge’s return on August 5, Stanton has started only four games.
The frustrating part for New York is that Stantonhad been red-hot before his role diminished. Over his last 20 games prior to Judge‘s comeback, Stanton was slashing .306 with a 1.053 OPS and nine home runs. Even in limited at-bats since, he’s kept raking, hitting .500 with a .591 on-base percentage across just 18 trips to the plate.
The Yankees, still trying to stabilize after a long midseason slump, desperately need both sluggers in the lineup if they want to lock down a playoff spot.
Judge’s power is irreplaceable, but Stanton‘s bat has proven just as crucial, especially given that he was the ALCS MVP during the team’s run to last year’s American League pennant.
For now, Boone confirmed the plan is to use Stanton in right field against the Rays, a short-term fix that underscores the urgency of Judge’s recovery.
The Yankees know their championship hopes depend on having both hitters healthy and active, but until Judge can man his corner of the outfield again, the lineup puzzle will remain unsolved.
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