Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is set to return to the lineup as designated hitter on Tuesday after a 10-day absence due to injury. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the plan before the start of a three-game series against the Texas Rangers.
“That’s the plan,” Boone said regarding Judge’s return.
Judge was placed on the injured list on July 27 following a flexor strain in his right elbow, which he sustained while making a throw to home plate. He is eligible for activation and has been taking batting practice in Tampa before rejoining the team in Arlington. During his absence, the Yankees have struggled offensively, posting a .231/.311/.399 slash line and being swept by the Marlins over the weekend.
Boone noted that Judge would likely take the roster spot of Austin Slater, who suffered a left hamstring injury during Monday’s game.
“It’s Aaron Judge — we know what he means to our lineup, to the guys in the room,” Boone said. “So to get him back, we’re certainly excited about that. And then hopefully, shortly thereafter, he’s back out in the field, too.”
Judge currently leads Major League Baseball in several offensive categories, including batting average (.342), on-base percentage (.449), slugging percentage (.711), and OPS (1.160).
The Yankees are evaluating when Judge can resume playing right field. Boone explained that Judge would play catch either Monday or Tuesday as part of his recovery process.
“Then we’ll see when we get back home,” on Friday against the Astros, Boone said. “The process they’re going through — as far as treatments, I know he did plyos today, and then he’ll start introducing playing catch, and then his arm will tell him” when he’s ready.
