The New York Yankees have been playing without Aaron Judge in right field. He has been the designated hitter while he recovers from a right flexor strain.

With Judge occupying the DH spot, Giancarlo Stanton has been playing in the outfield. While his bat has been key for the Yankees, Stanton’s own health concerns force him to take off days as an outfielder. That puts the Yankees in a position where Judge and Stanton are not in the lineup together at times.

The Yankees are entering a stretch where they need both bats in the lineup. The team’s next four series are against the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox. All four series have postseason implications and could ultimately decide whether the Yankees win the American League East.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 30: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago White Sox during the fourth inning at Rate Field on August 30,…


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Judge is still not ready to return to the outfield, but during an appearance on “Talkin’ Yanks,” Boone noted that Judge is “getting close.”

Boone said Judge’s return to the outfield will depend on when team doctors and Judge are all comfortable with him returning. He has been throwing, but he is the team clearly is not ready to put him back in right field yet.

As important as Stanton’s bat is, the Yankees need to keep him healthy. That means giving him days off that he would not need as a designated hitter. There is still no target date for Judge, but getting him back during this stretch could be huge.

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