URGENT UPDATE: Aaron Judge is officially set to return to the New York Yankees lineup on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, after being sidelined with a right elbow flexor strain. This comes as the Yankees desperately seek to end a four-game losing streak, including a heartbreaking 8-5 loss to the Texas Rangers in 10 innings on Monday night.
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Judge’s availability for the pivotal middle game of the series, stating simply, “Judge tomorrow.” This news is crucial for Yankees fans as the team currently struggles to maintain its playoff positioning, now trailing the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays by 5.5 games in the AL East.
Judge, a two-time AL MVP, last played on July 25 and has been a significant absence for the Yankees. During his time on the injured list, he underwent an MRI that revealed no acute damage to his ulnar collateral ligament and received a platelet-rich injection on July 27. His return could provide an immediate boost; despite his absence, Judge still boasts a remarkable .342 batting average, leading the majors, alongside 37 home runs and 85 RBIs.
The Yankees will face a roster change with outfielder Austin Slater heading to the injured list due to left hamstring tightness. Slater was acquired just last Wednesday from the Chicago White Sox and left Monday’s game early, further complicating the Yankees’ lineup as they try to rebound from a recent three-game sweep at the hands of the Miami Marlins.
Giancarlo Stanton has filled the designated hitter role during Judge’s absence, hitting his tenth home run of the season against the Rangers. However, Boone has indicated that Stanton will not play the outfield in Texas if Judge returns to DH.
This return is not just about numbers but the morale of a team that has seen its playoff hopes dim with an 18-28 record since June 13. Boone acknowledged the stress of the current stretch, stating, “Doesn’t matter… We’ve got to play better, and we’ve got to win.”
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Judge steps back onto the field, hoping he can ignite a much-needed turnaround for the struggling Yankees. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the franchise fights to reclaim its status among the league’s elite with just 49 games remaining in the regular season.
Stay tuned for live updates as the Yankees look to rebound and make a push for the postseason with Judge back in the lineup.
