Aaron Judge edges closer to resuming play due to injury during upcoming series against the Marlins
The New York Yankees are gearing up for a significant return, with star player Aaron Judge expected to come off the 10-day Injured List (IL) with a flexor strain in his right elbow on August 5. Judge's return will see him take up a designated hitter (DH) role, while Giancarlo Stanton moves back to the outfield.
Judge's injury, which he first experienced after making a throw to the infield against the Blue Jays on July 22, had initially overshadowed the Yankees' success in the trade deadline. The team added third baseman Ryan McMahon and upgraded their bullpen and bench, making them one of the biggest winners in the trade deadline.
Despite his injury, Judge had initially wanted to avoid the IL and continue as the designated hitter. However, the Yankees overruled his decision and moved him to the 10-day IL, allowing him to undergo a two-week waiting period before beginning a throwing program.
Stanton, who has primarily played DH since joining the Yankees in 2018, has been integrated back into the defensive lineup during Judge's absence. With Judge's return, Stanton will resume his corner outfield duties, but the Yankees are cautiously managing his playing time due to his limited fielding ability.
To mitigate Stanton's below-average defensive skills, the Yankees often plan to use Austin Slater as a defensive replacement late in games. Stanton last took the field in 2023, logging 31 games in left and two games in right that season.
The Yankees currently trail Toronto by 3.5 games in the AL East. Judge's return to the lineup will be a significant boost for the team as they aim to retake control of the division. Fans, who initially feared that Judge suffered a season-ending injury, can now look forward to his return during the Rangers series.
In the meantime, Stanton's bat will continue to be a valuable asset in the Yankees' lineup. The team wants to get Stanton's bat in the lineup, but it's unclear where to play him once Judge bumps him from the designated hitter spot. Regardless, the Yankees are confident that their strategic moves will keep them competitive in the tight AL East race.
The Yankees, with Aaron Judge's expected return from the IL on August 5, will resume their MLB campaign with a stronger offensive lineup, particularly in sports like baseball, where Judge excels as a designated hitter. Meanwhile, with Judge taking up the DH role, Giancarlo Stanton, who has previously played DH and outfield, will rejoin the baseball outfield.
