Aaron Judge continues to work towards a return to right field, but the Yankees do not yet know if he will be able to man the position this weekend in St. Louis.
Before Monday’s game, manager Aaron Boone ruled out Judge for the outfield during this week’s series at home against Minnesota.
Ever since Judge hit the injured list last month with a right flexor strain, the team has been optimistic that he would return to the field before long. “Sooner rather than later” continues to be the public messaging.
But privately, the team is genuinely unsure when it might happen. The timing is important because as long as Judge is limited to designated hitter duties, right field is Giancarlo Stanton’s only path to playing time. The reeling Yankees are hardly in a position to sit Stanton, one of their best hitters.
The location of the Yankees’ next series could create extra incentive for Judge to return this weekend.
Right field at Yankee Stadium is relatively small, which is suited to Stanton’s current level of speed and range. Busch Stadium in St. Louis presents far more ground to cover.
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