Major League Baseball: Scuffling Yankees Activate Aaron Judge From IL
Published Aug. 5, 2025, 2:09 p.m. ET
It seems that two-time AL MVP Aaron Judge might be the spark the Yankees need to get back on track. The New York Yankees activated Judge on Tuesday after his 10-day stint on the injured list due to a flexor strain in his right elbow.
Judge’s Return to the Lineup
Following the Yankees’ loss to the Rangers on Monday night, manager Aaron Boone did not disclose specific plans for Judge, although he mentioned before the game that Judge would serve as the designated hitter upon his return. The outfielder may also participate in catch while in Texas, which will help assess when he could return to playing in the field.
After facing Yankees minor-league pitchers at the team’s complex in Tampa for two consecutive days, Judge traveled to Texas in preparation for the series opener. He chose not to speak to reporters in the clubhouse after the game.
Judge’s Recent Performance
Judge has not played since July 25 due to the elbow strain. An MRI revealed no acute damage to his ulnar collateral ligament, and he received a platelet-rich injection on July 27, retroactive to the day before he was placed on the IL. Despite his absence, Judge maintained a .342 batting average, the highest in the majors after Monday’s games betso88 .com. He ranks fourth with 37 home runs and fifth with 85 RBIs.
To make room for Judge on the roster, Austin Slater, who was acquired from the Chicago White Sox, was placed on the IL. Slater exited Monday night’s game in the second inning due to tightness in his left hamstring after running out a fielder’s choice grounder.
Giancarlo Stanton’s Role
Giancarlo Stanton has been the Yankees’ starting DH for all 32 games this season, including the series opener against the Rangers, where he hit his 10th homer, a two-run shot in the fourth inning that put the Yankees ahead 5-4. Stanton missed the first 70 games of the season due to inflammation in both elbow tendons. Boone stated that Stanton would not play in the outfield in Texas if Judge continues to DH throughout the series.
Stanton’s positioning in the lineup is significant, especially as he has been one of the few Yankees to perform well in Judge’s absence. While the team as a whole has posted a .231/.311/.399 batting average with Judge on the IL, Stanton has produced a much more favorable .270/.308/.595 line with four homers and 10 RBIs, boasting an OPS in the . is pacquiao retired90s. manny pacquiao shooting form
Challenges Ahead for the Yankees
The first signal of trouble for Judge came on July 22 in Toronto, after making a strong throw home. Later, he winced after catching a fly ball in the right-field corner and attempting to throw it to second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. A YES Network camera caught Judge clenching his right hand into a fist, highlighting his discomfort.
As the Yankees arrive in Texas, they are looking to bounce back after being swept in a three-game series against Miami, which has put them in third place in the AL East behind Toronto and Boston. They started July in first place but are now 5. ginebra proof5 games behind the division-leading Blue Jays and currently sit in a wild-card spot, just 2.5 games behind the Red Sox. They are barely ahead of the Rangers by 1.5 games in the wild-card standings.
When asked if the current slump, which includes an 18-28 record since June 13, was affecting the team’s mindset, Boone acknowledged the pressure. “Doesn’t matter,” he said. “Nobody cares how stressful it is; that’s all just noise, excuses, whatever. We’ve got to play better, and we’ve got to win, and we know that.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report. What do you think the Yankees need to do to turn their season around bonus365 ph register?