RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesNEW YORK — New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman expressed optimism that Aaron Judge will return from his rib injury this season, calling it a “pretty high likelihood.”
But Cashman wouldn’t rule anything out, saying the Yankees would gain more clarity on Judge’s timeline once the star right fielder undergoes another round of re-imaging.
“I think that question is a fair question on anybody’s side,” Cashman said Monday when asked about his level of concern that Judge wouldn’t be able to return this year.
“Like, ‘Is that possible?’ It’s always possible that things don’t go the way you want, but we currently are still very optimistic that he’s going to return.”
Judge has been sidelined since May 31 with a right rib stress fracture.
Imaging conducted during last month’s All-Star break showed Judge’s rib is healing, but it wasn’t to the point where the three-time American League MVP could resume baseball activities. At the time, Judge said he “definitely” expected to play again this season.
Cashman declined Monday to say when Judge’s rib would be imaged again.
“There’s a pretty high likelihood and optimism that, yeah, he fits that time frame for him to get back and join us,” Cashman said.
“That’s what I’m hoping and holding on to, and I know that that’s what he believes, and I know that’s what the doctors believe, but it’s always a moving target, too, until you get closer to the comfort of deployment.”
The Yankees’ offense has struggled without Judge. Entering Monday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals in the Bronx, the Yankees were averaging 3.9 runs per game without Judge, compared to 5 2/3 runs per game with him.
Amid Judge’s extended absence — along with those of fellow injured run-producers Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger — the Yankees acquired lefty-swinging first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. and righty-hitting outfielder Heliot Ramos ahead of Monday’s MLB trade deadline in an effort to bolster their lineup.
Judge is batting .248 with 17 home runs and a .907 OPS in 59 games this season.
Injury updates
Carlos Rodón (elbow inflammation) said he felt “good” after throwing 40 pitches and simulating two innings in a live bullpen session Monday at Yankee Stadium.
The left-hander’s next step could be to begin a rehab assignment.
“Another good step for Carlos,” said manager Aaron Boone, who watched most of Rodón’s session. “With 40 pitches today, probably a chance that [on] Saturday he could be in a rehab game.”
Rodón, who is 4-2 with a 3.30 ERA in nine starts this season, has been on the injured list since July 3.
Among the hitters whom Rodón faced Monday? Stanton, who has been out since April 24 due to a pair of strains in his right calf.
“G’s been hitting a ton already anyway, but good to see him outdoors and moving,” Boone said. “I think he’s had a good week. Encouraged about where he’s moving.”
Schmidt's progress
Clarke Schmidt is scheduled to throw another live bullpen session in the Bronx on Tuesday — his fifth as he works his way back from last summer’s Tommy John surgery. He is expected to throw about 45 pitches.
After that, Schmidt and the Yankees will determine whether the right-hander is ready to begin a rehab assignment.
“He’s doing well,” Boone said. “Build-up’s going well for him. I would say he’s getting close to being in the mix.”
Schmidt, 30, doesn’t expect to build his pitch count up to a starter’s workload before he returns to the Yankees in the coming weeks.
He figures to factor into their bullpen, potentially as a versatile, multi-inning weapon.
“Everything’s been feeling really good,” said Schmidt, who had a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts before last year’s elbow injury. “Really happy with how the body’s been responding.”
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