Yankees Notes: Aaron Judge’s potential return to OF, Ben Rice gaining confidence behind the plate

Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided some updates prior to Tuesday’s game against the Twins…

Aaron Judge update, Stanton back-to-back in OF

As SNY's Andy Martino reported on Monday, the Yankees still don't have an exact date for Judge’s return to the outfield, but Boone said it’s possible he could be back out there during this weekend’s series with the Cardinals.

“Throwing program is going well, he seems to be improving each time, so we’ll see,” he said. 

Judge hasn’t played the field since July 25 due to a flexor strain in his elbow.

He was able to be activated from the IL this week, but has been limited to DH duties.

With that being the case, the team has been forced to run the oft-injured Giancarlo Stanton out in right field for the first time since 2023. 

Stanton has moved around pretty well his first few opportunities out there, and now Boone is turning to him in back-to-back games for the first time to keep both big bats in the lineup. 

“I was tempted to do it Sunday after the Saturday game,” the skipper said. “He ended up getting a few innings at the end, but he’s responded well to it physically and we want to keep his bat in there too.” 

Ben Rice back behind the plate with Wells struggling

With Rice swinging a hot bat and Austin Wells struggling mightily, Boone decided to turn to the lefty slugger at catcher for the second consecutive game on Tuesday. 

It’s not just his offense that’s caught the team’s eye, they’ve also liked what they’ve seen defensively despite his limited big-league experience at the position. 

“He’s done a really good job,” Boone said. “He hasn’t done it a lot at this level so there’s still some things to learn, but we’ve been really pleased with how well he’s handled it, him now from two months ago is a lot different -- he’s gaining confidence and just playing really well.”

Boone hasn’t spoken with Wells about his playing time, but he does expect him to play a big role for this team down the stretch.

Wells is slashing a lowly .130/.186/.204 over his last 16 games. 

After sitting out the last two, he is expected to be back behind the plate for Wednesday’s series finale. 

“We all get consumed with the now and what’s happening,” he said. “This is just a couple of days in the long stretch of the season, part of it is we have other guys who are really pushing for more playing time. But Austin is going to be fine and will continue to play a big part for us.” 

Loáisiga close to return

The Yanks could have a bit of a bullpen crunch real soon.

Loáisiga appears to be closing in on a return after throwing a side session Tuesday.

“He should be in play anytime starting soon because he wasn’t down long,” Boone said. “We’ll decide if we want to get him live, in a game, and how long it’ll be, but he should be pretty close to coming back.”

Loáisiga has been sidelined for about a week with mid-back tightness. 

Fernando Cruz and Ryan Yarbrough are also close to being back with the club.