New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has reversed his earlier stance on star Aaron Judge’s potential return to the field this season. In a radio interview on Tuesday, Boone said there is no timetable for Judge’s return, but expressed confidence in the slugger’s ability to protect himself and potentially play in the outfield.
Judge was limited to being a designated hitter after returning from an injured list on August 5 due to a flexor strain in his right elbow. However, he has made significant progress since then, throwing out to 250 feet and sounding optimistic about getting back to full strength.
“I don’t think we’re going to see him throwing like he normally does at any point this year,” Boone said. “But that’s OK, as long as he can go out there and protect himself.” Judge has responded to Boone’s comments by pushing back on the idea that his arm is not strong enough for fielding.
Boone acknowledged that he may have overstated the situation with his initial comment. When asked about Judge’s potential return to the outfield, Boone said he expects the slugger to be able to handle it when he returns.
The Yankees are currently in a three-game lead for the final American League wild-card spot and will be satisfied if Judge can remain productive at the plate. The team has also made some roster moves, including reinstating utilityman Amed Rosario from the 10-day injured list and placing left-hander Brent Headrick on the 15-day IL.
In other news, Giancarlo Stanton returned to the Yankees’ lineup after missing three games with general soreness. The team’s long injury history makes any outfield assignment a risk for Stanton.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46017312/stanton-back-yankees-lineup-judge-status-unchanged