Aaron Judge’s DH Return Reduces Giancarlo Stanton’s Playing Time

The New York Yankees just got a much-needed boost. Star slugger Aaron Judge returned to the lineup after a stint on the injured list.

To protect his recovery from a right elbow flexor strain, Judge is stuck in a designated hitter (DH) role for now. That move throws a wrench into the Yankees’ lineup, especially for Giancarlo Stanton, who’s been on fire at the plate but now faces limited playing time.

So, what does all this mean for the team’s immediate future? There are also a few other roster updates shaking up the Yankees’ season.

Aaron Judge Returns—But With Restrictions

After his time on the 10-day injured list, Judge is back, but there’s a catch—he can’t play in the outfield yet. Manager Aaron Boone said Judge will only serve as the team’s DH until he gets full clearance for his throwing program.

Judge is scheduled to start throwing on Wednesday. The Yankees hope a few days of progress will give them a better sense of when he can return to right field.

How Does This Impact the Yankees’ Lineup?

Judge’s temporary DH role causes a ripple effect. Giancarlo Stanton, who usually rotates through the DH spot to keep the offense humming, now finds himself with fewer chances to play.

In Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to the Texas Rangers, Stanton only got a pinch-hitting appearance and grounded into a double play in the ninth inning. It was a brief shot, but his recent numbers are hard to ignore.

Stanton has been on a tear:

• He’s hit 10 home runs in his last 24 games.
• His improved plate discipline and power surge have been key for the Yankees.

Boone admitted it’s tough to sit Stanton more often, especially with how locked in he’s looked lately. Still, the Yankees want to avoid risking Stanton’s health by putting him in right field, a spot he hasn’t played since 2023.

The Stanton Conundrum: Right Field or Bust?

There’s still a question about whether Stanton can fill in at right field while Judge heals. Stanton took some pregame work in the outfield before Tuesday’s game, but Boone didn’t commit to putting him back there soon.

If Stanton played right, it would ease the lineup crunch from Judge’s DH-only status. But there’s always that worry—Stanton’s own injury history makes any move a gamble.

The Yankees are being careful here. Boone sounded hopeful about Judge’s throwing progress in Tampa and said the team should know more in a few days.

Yankees’ Roster Shuffle: Bigger Changes Afoot

Judge’s return wasn’t the only roster news this week. The Yankees made several moves to address other challenges:

• Reliever Jake Bird, after a rough stretch, was optioned to Triple-A.
• JT Brubaker was designated for assignment, giving the roster some breathing room.
• Outfielder Austin Slater landed on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain.
• Top pitching prospect Ben Hess got the call to Double-A Somerset and is set to debut Wednesday.

Promoting Hess shows the Yankees are serious about developing young talent. With the pitching staff still riding its ups and downs, Hess could be a name to watch as the team looks ahead.

Looking Forward: What’s Next for the Yankees?

As the Yankees hit this crucial stretch, everyone’s watching Aaron Judge’s throwing program. His return to right field feels like the missing puzzle piece.

In the meantime, the team has to walk a fine line. They’re managing Judge’s and Stanton’s health while trying to keep that competitive spark alive.

Stanton’s been on fire lately, and with Judge’s bat back, the Bronx Bombers have real power. Now, it’s just about finding the right lineup to let that power shine.

Away from the spotlight, the Yankees’ recent roster shuffles show some real intention. They’ll send a reliever down to Triple-A or bump a prospect like Ben Hess up to Double-A if that’s what it takes.

You can see they’re not afraid to shake things up. There’s a plan here, and it’s all about adapting fast and staying in the mix.

Yankees fans are crossing their fingers for Wednesday’s update on Judge’s arm. In a season that’s been anything but steady, his full-time return could tip the scales.

It’s tough to overstate how much is riding on this. The Bronx never does things halfway, and right now, every move feels like it matters just a bit more.

 
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