Overview

• Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Judge won’t play in the outfield during the Minnesota series, keeping him in the DH role as he progresses through his throwing program.
• Though the team publicly projects a near-term outfield comeback, insiders say the Yankees remain uncertain about when Judge will be cleared defensively.
• With Judge sidelined from right field, Giancarlo Stanton has started back-to-back games in his place for the first time since 2023.
• Hitting coach James Rowson reports that Judge is gradually regaining his timing and tempo at the plate after a slump that began in mid-June.
• Meanwhile, ace Gerrit Cole achieved a rehab milestone by completing 20 flat-ground throws five months after his internal-brace UCL procedure.