New York, NY — Aaron Judge is making strides in his recovery from a flexor strain that has sidelined him in recent weeks. The reigning American League MVP had previously been placed on the injured list to rest his elbow but has since returned, albeit restricted to designated hitter duties. Recent doubts arose regarding the condition of his throwing arm, but during pregame workouts, Judge resumed throwing to the bases from the outfield, signaling a positive step forward.
Judge emphasized the importance of following the team’s medical staff’s guidance as he progresses. “It’s about checking a box in my rehab,” he told reporters, indicating a cautious approach to returning to full form. Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted that Judge appeared to throw well during practice but also reassured that a clear timeline for his return to actual game action remains uncertain. Boone stressed the importance of a careful recovery to prevent any risk of reinjury.
Despite Judge’s limited playing time, his presence is still felt in the lineup. Since returning from the injured list on August 5, Judge boasts a solid batting line of .218/.386/.418, translating to a 126 wRC+. While these figures fall short of his typically impressive performance, they still represent above-average production that would be enviable for many hitters. Meanwhile, Giancarlo Stanton has stepped into right field as a temporary measure to ensure his bat remains in the lineup while Judge occupies the designated hitter spot.
In another notable lineup change, shortstop Anthony Volpe has been temporarily benched after struggling on both offense and defense this season. Boone opted to start newly acquired Jose Caballero at shortstop, leaving Volpe out of the starting lineup. While Boone did not commit to a timeline for Volpe’s return, the young shortstop served as a defensive replacement in a recent game against the Red Sox. After a strong four-hit game on August 1, Volpe’s production has plummeted to .121/.171/.242 over the subsequent 19 games.
The Yankees may be looking to provide Caballero with additional playing time based on his recent performance. Acquired from the Rays before the trade deadline, Caballero has demonstrated a strong offensive output, hitting .320/.433/.600 in 31 plate appearances over 14 games. Though generally seen as an average hitter, his recent surge in addition to solid defensive skills makes a compelling case for increased playing time, especially if Volpe’s struggles continue.
On the pitching front, the Yankees are set to welcome back right-hander Fernando Cruz, who is expected to be activated from the injured list. Cruz has been out for nearly two months due to an oblique strain but showed promise earlier this season with a 3.00 ERA and a remarkable 41.2% strikeout rate in 33 innings. His return could significantly bolster a bullpen that has faced challenges, even with recent additions made at the trade deadline. Key relievers have struggled in late-game situations, making Cruz’s comeback a timely boost for New York’s pitching staff.
As the Yankees navigate these lineup adjustments and injuries, the focus remains on optimizing player performance while ensuring careful management of their star’s recovery process.
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