As per insights from Jim Bowden, a CBS Sports insider, the Yankees are optimistic about Aaron Judge returning to the lineup by this weekend.
As the highly-anticipated Subway Series between the Yankees and the Mets approaches, all eyes are on Tampa, where Aaron Judge is making progress in his rehab. Recently, Aaron Boone disclosed on the “Talkin’ Yanks” podcast, that Judge will be focusing on building his tolerance, and to help with that, he’s slated to have another simulated game against teammate Jonathan Loaisiga, who is also rehabbing.
Before Tuesday’s game, Judge showcased his prowess by playing five innings in the field at the Yankees’ Tampa complex. Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed this development and expressed that he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Judge making a return during the Orioles series.
Yankees’ Aaron Judge causes cancellation of doubleheader amid pitching needs
On Tuesday afternoon, Aaron Judge‘s presence at the Yankee complex in Tampa caused significant upheaval, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled doubleheader. According to John Bropy, the urgent demand for pitchers to participate in live batting practice necessitated the decision.
The unexpected turn of events highlighted the importance of having a robust pitching roster as the team grappled with the need to provide ample practice opportunities for their batters. Judge’s involvement at the complex played a crucial role in reshuffling the day’s plans and left fans eagerly awaiting updates on how this development might impact future games.
Aaron Boone provides the latest updates on Judge’s rehab
The Yankees manager, Aaron Boone expressed his optimism, saying, “I’ll get a report at the end of [Tuesday]. Loaisiga is heading [to Tampa] tonight. He’ll throw tomorrow against Judge… Good thing for Aaron it doesn’t get any tougher than [Loaisiga]. Only gets easier having to face right on righty Loaisiga…he looks great. He looked like playoff Lo.”
However, Judge’s return timeline remains uncertain, and Boone emphasized that they are taking it day-by-day. While Loaisiga is set to have a rehab game over the weekend, Judge’s situation is being closely monitored, and the Yankees skipper is not rushing him back.
“We’ll see how these next days go,” Boone stated, “if we’re at a point if [Baltimore or Tampa Bay] is at play or not.”
Certainly, the Yankees would love to have Judge back in action, especially for their upcoming series against the Orioles, Rays, and Astros. These games will be crucial as all three teams currently sit ahead of the Yankees in either the AL East or wild card standings, impacting the team’s quest for a playoff berth.
Since Judge suffered his right toe injury on June 2, the Yankees have faced some challenges, going 18-22 and finding themselves tied with the Red Sox for fourth place in the AL East, trailing by 2.5 games for a wild-card spot. The team eagerly awaits Judge’s return to boost their chances of turning the tide and making a strong playoff push.
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