SAN DIEGO — As the New York Yankees strive to close the gap in the American League East, all eyes are on the potential return of superstar outfielder Aaron Judge. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed cautious optimism about Judge’s prospects of rejoining the team as early as Tuesday, following a workout scheduled for Monday in Yankee Stadium where Judge will face live pitching against unspecified pitchers.
Could Judge Return Tuesday?
Boone did not rule out the possibility of Judge’s return during a post-game interview on Sunday, although he emphasized the need for careful management regarding Judge’s condition. Judge is recovering from a rib injury and has opted to skip a traditional rehabilitation assignment, meaning the Yankees are considering how to effectively integrate him back into the lineup without overloading him.
Suggestions on how to ease Judge back into play include starting him for a portion of games before substituting him, or allowing him to play a full game followed by a day off. The upcoming series against the Colorado Rockies is being viewed as an opportunity for a soft landing back to major league action. Assuming there are no setbacks during his live pitching session, it is likely he will be in the lineup during this homestand.
“We’ve got some work to do,” stated Yankees starter Gerrit Cole after the team’s recent series loss to the San Diego Padres, which highlighted the urgency for the Yankees as they aim to catch the Tampa Bay Rays, who currently lead the division by four games with just 19 left in the regular season.
The Yankees’ playoff odds reflect a challenging situation, with estimates placing their chance of securing the division title at approximately 15.6 percent, making each upcoming game crucial.
Spencer Jones Steps Up
In addition to Judge’s anticipated return, the Yankees are facing challenges with outfielder Trent Grisham, who has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. Boone indicated that Grisham might be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season, providing Spencer Jones with an opportunity to solidify his position as the starting center fielder.
Jones made a notable impact in the recent game against the Padres with an RBI double. His performance has been particularly strong against left-handed pitchers, proving critical as the Yankees prepare for potential matchups against teams with strong left-handed lineups during the playoffs.
With less than three weeks remaining in the regular season, Jones will likely see regular playing time, irrespective of whether Grisham returns.
Volpe’s Emerging Role
Meanwhile, Anthony Volpe’s resurgence in Triple A has drawn attention, as he has recently showcased his potential with an uptick in home runs, bringing his total to 11. The young player is also honing his skills at multiple infield positions, including third base, putting him in consideration for a postseason roster spot should he continue to perform well.
As the Yankees navigate the closing stretch of the season, the decisions surrounding Judge’s health, Grisham’s absence, and Volpe’s versatility could play significant roles in their playoff ambitions.
Why It Matters
The Yankees’ ability to adapt to player injuries while maximizing their performance in crucial games will be critical in the coming weeks. As the team seeks to secure a playoff position, the return of key players like Judge, alongside the emergence of new talents such as Jones and Volpe, could make a substantial impact on their success in the postseason.
