Yankees Navigate Aaron Judge’s Injury and Giancarlo Stanton’s Role

The New York Yankees are staring down a crucial stretch in their 2024 season. Star outfielder Aaron Judge just landed on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right arm.

At first, fans feared the worst—a season-ending injury. Thankfully, imaging showed Judge’s UCL is intact, so his recovery could be quicker than anyone feared.

The Yankees are six games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East. Missing their reigning AL MVP really puts pressure on Judge’s replacements to step up during this tough run.

Avoiding the Worst: Judge’s Injury Breakdown

Aaron Judge strained his flexor after an awkward throw in Toronto. It was a scary moment for Yankees fans, especially with the threat of UCL damage and Tommy John surgery looming.

The Yankees caught a break. Manager Aaron Boone said Judge needs at least 10 days on the injured list, but there’s hope he’ll return soon after.

When Judge comes back, he’ll probably start as the designated hitter. That way, he can ease back in without risking his arm.

What is a Flexor Strain?

A flexor strain means there’s damage or swelling in the muscles or tendons that help with bending and gripping. It’s not as bad as a UCL injury, but it still takes serious rest and rehab.

For Judge, skipping steps in recovery could spell disaster. His power and throwing rely on those muscles working perfectly.

The Yankees’ Post-Judge Landscape

Last year, when Judge missed a big chunk of the season, the Yankees’ offense just fell apart. The team never really bounced back.

This year feels different, though. The lineup’s been more consistent, with unexpected players stepping up and keeping the offense humming.

The New Defensive Setup

Without Judge, the Yankees will mix up their outfield. Cody Bellinger is expected in right field, Trent Grisham takes center, and prospect Jasson Domínguez slots into left.

Sure, losing Judge hurts. But this trio gives the Yankees a steady defensive look for the next 10 days—or maybe longer.

Giancarlo Stanton: The Elephant in the Room

When Judge returns as DH, things could get tricky. Giancarlo Stanton’s bat is a huge part of the lineup, and he’s mostly been the Yankees’ designated hitter lately.

Stanton’s lost a step in the field, and his defense isn’t what it used to be. That’s made it tough to play him anywhere but DH.

Suboptimal Outfield Options

Stanton hasn’t played much outfield lately, and his injury history makes the coaching staff nervous about putting him there too often. With Judge set to DH, Boone will need to juggle Stanton’s playing time carefully.

We’ll probably see Stanton rotate into the lineup based on matchups or when the team really needs his bat.

Yankees Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance

Even with these setbacks, the Yankees still have a shot. Judge’s injury stings, but this roster feels deeper and more balanced than in years past.

They’re six games back in the AL East, which isn’t ideal, but the expanded playoff format gives them some breathing room. Maybe overcoming this rough patch now sets them up for a stronger playoff push when everyone’s healthy.

A Cautious Approach

The Yankees chose to play it safe by putting Judge on the IL and letting him ease back in as a DH. That move feels pretty calculated, honestly—forward-thinking, even.

Pushing Judge too soon? That could’ve led to a bigger setback down the road. This way, he gets time to recover, and the lineup still packs a punch while he’s out.

Fans are definitely keeping a close eye on Judge’s recovery. In the meantime, the team needs guys like Bellinger, Grisham, and Domínguez to step up.

The stakes? They’re sky-high. No one wants to see another midseason meltdown like last year, and avoiding that could make all the difference in chasing a playoff spot in 2024.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Aaron Judge’s elbow injury isn’t a season crusher for Yankees, but they face suboptimal options involving Giancarlo Stanton