Yankees shake up roster to welcome back Aaron Judge

Wednesday May 10, 2023

NEW YORK– The New York Yankees were able to include Aaron Judge back in Tuesday’s starting lineup for the first time in over two weeks on Tuesday. But the return of the Yankees captain saw led to a few roster changes.

Yankees reactivate Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge, one of the New York Yankees’ key players, suffered a right hip strain that forced him to miss 10 consecutive games. However, after receiving proper medical treatment and spending time on the 10-day injured list, he was included in the Yankees lineup on Tuesday against Oakland at Yankee Stadium.

Aaron Judge’s absence was undoubtedly felt by the team, which missed his powerful swing, impressive defensive skills, and leadership both on and off the field in the series loss to the Rays. However, his return brings renewed hope and confidence to the Yankees, who are counting on him to help the team turn their season around.

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium during a pregame practice session on May 9, 2023. — Twitter-NYY

With Aaron Judge back in the lineup, the team is hoping to improve their record and make a push toward the postseason. Fans and teammates alike are excited to see Aaron Judge back in action, and his reinstatement from the injured list is undoubtedly a positive development for the Yankees.

Yankees place Peraza on IL

The Yankees made further changes to their roster besides welcoming back their skipper for their game against the Oakland Athletics. The team placed prospect Oswald Peraza on the injured list with a right ankle strain retroactive to May 6 in order to create room for Aaron Judge on the active roster.

When Peraza injured his ankle while stealing second base in the ninth inning of last week’s walk-off victory over the Guardians, he was sidelined. The truth is that even when he was fully recovered, Peraza had no part in the big league team’s plans this season.

Anthony Volpe, DJ LeMahieu, and Gleyber Torres are established in the infield and have hit runs. Peraza was finding it difficult to secure significant playing time. He is unable to beat Oswaldo Cabrera and Kiner-Falefa, who are showing versatility and currently ahead of him on the depth chart.

Yankees' Oswald Peraza sits with against the Guardians on May 3, 2023, at Yankee Stadium. — YES

This will allow Peraza to take his time recovering from his ankle injury and postpone what seems like a foregone conclusion — a return to the Triple-A RailRiders to participate in every game and further his career. It has been the Yankees’ plan for him since he lost the shortstop battle to Anthony Volpe in spring training.

The Yankees decision to place Peraza on the disabled list frees up roster spots for the likes of Aaron Hicks, Jake Bauers, Willie Calhoun, and Asdrubal Cabrera. Any one of those four position players might have been waived or demoted on Tuesday to make room for Aaron Judge.

Yankees bullpen changes

The Yankees are shaking things up in their bullpen! They’ve said “Hasta la vista” to Nick Ramirez, the left-handed pitcher, who tossed two scoreless innings in their latest win against Oakland. And to fill his spot, they have brought up Greg Weissert, a right-hander, who is ready to inject some new energy into the relief corps. Will he be the missing puzzle piece for the bullpen’s success? Only time will tell!

greg-weissert-new-york-yankees — Charles Wenzelberg / NYP

Before being demoted to the RailRiders last month, Weissert posted a 2.08 ERA in four appearances for the big league club earlier this season. Weissert has a 2.08 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings thrown in Triple-A this season.

Aaron Judge is back in the game! After taking a 10-day break to heal his right hip injury, the slugger has been activated by the Yankees. Are you ready to see some fireworks from his powerful swings?

What do you think? Leave a comment below.