The struggling New York Yankees will get an important part of their team back today when slugger Aaron Judge returns from the injured list for their game against the Texas Rangers.
The two-time American League MVP last played on July 25 before going on the IL with a flexor strain in his right elbow. Judge had been experiencing pain when he threw but not when he hit, so the Yankees decided to give him some time to rest.
But since then, things have gone south for the Yanks. They’ve lost their last four games and have fallen behind the Boston Red Sox into third place in the AL East.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said simply, ‘Judge tomorrow’ when he met with reporters after Monday night’s 8-5 loss to the Rangers.
Boone said before the game that Judge would serve as the designated hitter when he returned to the lineup.
The seven-time All-Star leads the major leagues with a .342 batting average to go with 37 home runs and 85 RBIs. He’ll certainly provide an offensive boost, but having him in the DH slot could displace one of the Yankees’ hottest hitters. Giancarlo Stanton, who has yet to play in the field this season, has hit .270 with 10 homers in the 36 games he’s played since making his season debut on June 16.
Boone said Stanton would not be in the lineup with Judge serving as the DH when he returns.
The Yankees will have an open roster spot to activate Judge as newly acquired outfielder Austin Slater will be put on the injured list after he experienced soreness in his right hamstring during Monday night’s game.
The Yankees began the month of July in first place in the division, but have fallen 5 1/2 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays and 2 1/2 behind the Boston Red Sox.
‘We’ve got to play better, and we’ve got to win,’ Boone said, ‘and we know that.’