In a Spring Training full of anticipation, the Yankees gave fans something unexpected in Thursday’s 8-4 loss to the Twins: Aaron Judge as the designated hitter.
The move, however, appears to be only temporary. Manager Aaron Boone dismissed the idea that Aaron Judge would take on the DH role frequently, especially early in the season.
“It’s just a test, but I don’t see this happening often,” Boone said during the game. “With the roster we have and the number of left-handed hitters available, there are other guys who can take on that role.”
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Judge had a quiet performance in the role, striking out twice in his at-bats. He finished the game hitless and without driving in any runs. Boone acknowledged that while Judge can handle the DH role, his value defensively remains too significant for it to be a regular occurrence.
“Judge is such an important piece for us in the outfield,” Boone explained. “We’re looking at all options for the DH role, but I don’t expect him to be in that spot often.”
Judge highlights Stanton’s importance to Yankees’ lineup
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Before the 2025 MLB season, the New York Yankees have been dealt a significant blow, with slugger Giancarlo Stanton once again sidelined by injury issues. Yankees captain Aaron Judge didn’t shy away from expressing his thoughts on the setback, calling Stanton’s injury “a tough blow” for the team on Monday. With expectations running high for the Bronx Bombers this season, the news has sent ripples of concern through the clubhouse and among fans.
“We all know what he’s capable of when healthy,” Judge said, emphasizing Stanton’s importance. “It’s a tough blow for the entire team, but we have to find a way to step up and keep pushing forward.”
Yankees looking to avoid a repeat of 2024 injury woes
The Yankees are no strangers to injury-riddled seasons and are determined not to repeat the struggles of 2024 when a series of key injuries derailed their playoff ambitions. With Stanton now out, the pressure shifts to other power bats—led by Judge himself—to carry the offensive load.
For Yankees fans, Stanton’s injury serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing challenge of keeping the team’s superstar core healthy. However, Judge’s leadership and belief in his teammates will be critical in weathering the storm.
As the Yankees navigate the early part of the season, the focus will be on how they compensate for Stanton’s absence and whether they can keep their World Series aspirations alive despite this setback.
Yankees evaluating alternatives for the DH spot
Judge’s brief stint as DH comes amid uncertainty surrounding Giancarlo Stanton. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed that the veteran slugger received PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections to address an injury. While Stanton is expected to rejoin the team, he won’t be available for the next few weeks.
With Stanton sidelined, Boone emphasized that the team will need to adjust its lineup to cover the DH spot.
“We have a few options for that role, so we’re exploring what makes the most sense for the team,” Boone said. “Judge will DH in some games, but I don’t see it being a regular thing right now.”
Boone reinforced that while Judge is capable of stepping into the DH spot when needed, the team is better served with him in the outfield.
“His ability to impact the game in right field is something we don’t take for granted,” Boone added. “So while he might DH here and there, our focus is finding other guys to fill that role.”
Who could fill the Yankees’ DH role?
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The Yankees have several players competing for the DH position. Boone mentioned Ben Rice, Sadam Smith, and JCS Carr as possible candidates, especially if the team carries three catchers. He also highlighted the versatility of Pablo Reyes, who has impressed the coaching staff.
Another option is Everson Pereira. The young outfielder is returning from injury and, according to Boone, has been swinging the bat well. If he continues to progress, Pereira could find himself in the DH rotation.
“We have a lot of intriguing pieces and are evaluating all possibilities,” Boone said. “This position could evolve as the season goes on.”
For now, the Yankees will continue testing different DH options while waiting for Stanton’s return and fine-tuning their lineup for Opening Day.
Amanda Paula is a sports writer with a passion for American football and a keen interest in the NY Yankees. Raised among Americans in Brazil, Mandy's unique cultural background has greatly influenced her career and provided her with a diverse perspective on the world of sports.
Born and raised in Brazil, Amanda developed a deep appreciation for sports at a young age. Growing up in a community with a robust American presence, she was exposed to various sports, but baseball captivated her heart. Inspired by the passion and tactics of the game, Amanda dedicated herself to studying and understanding the intricacies of the sport.
Amanda's love for American sports and soccer led her to pursue a career in sports journalism. She obtained a degree in journalism from a prestigious university, where she honed her skills in writing and reporting. Her studies gave her a solid foundation in journalism ethics, research methodologies, and effective storytelling techniques.
After completing her education, Amanda embarked on her professional journey as a sports writer. Her unique background as a Brazilian immersed in American culture gave her a fresh perspective on American sports.
