Aaron Judge is set to return to the New York Yankees on Tuesday after being on the 10-day injured list due to a flexor strain in his right elbow. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Judge would be available for the second game of their series against the Texas Rangers, which comes after the Yankees suffered their fourth consecutive loss, falling 8-5 in 10 innings Monday night.
Initially, Judge will serve as the designated hitter as he eases back into action. Boone noted that Judge could also engage in some fielding activities while in Texas, which would help assess when he could return to playing in the outfield. Judge hasn’t played since July 25, which has contributed to a challenging stretch for the Yankees, who have recorded a 4-7 record in the time since.
Before his injury, Judge was leading the league with a .342 batting average and had 37 home runs, placing him fourth overall, along with 85 RBIs. His return could be a pivotal moment for the Yankees, who are currently 5½ games behind division leaders Toronto and have slipped to third place in the AL East.
The Yankees will have to make some roster adjustments as outfielder Austin Slater is expected to go on the IL due to left hamstring tightness. Slater had been acquired just a week prior from the Chicago White Sox. His loss adds to the team’s challenges, with Giancarlo Stanton stepping in as the primary designated hitter for all 32 games he has played this season.
Boone acknowledged that the pressure is mounting on the team, particularly after an 18-28 record since mid-June, stating, “We’ve got to play better, and we’ve got to win.” The upcoming games, particularly with Judge’s return, present a crucial opportunity for the Yankees to turn their fortunes around as the regular season progresses towards its final stretch.
In a hopeful twist, Judge’s return may reinvigorate the team’s efforts and provide the much-needed boost to claw back into contention in the increasingly competitive AL East.