The New York Yankees are confronted with a significant challenge as Aaron Judge prepares to return from the injured list, sparking a fresh debate on how to manage the team’s powerful offense. The “Aaron Judge Yankees lineup dilemma” centers on fitting both Judge and Giancarlo Stanton into the starting lineup while maximizing their impact.
Judge was sidelined due to an elbow injury and currently lacks a definite timeline for returning to play in the outfield. While a straightforward solution might be to place Judge in the designated hitter role, allowing Stanton to return to right field, this raises complications because Stanton has not played in the outfield since 2023. Given his history of lower-body and soft tissue problems, Stanton is primarily serving as a full-time designated hitter.
Concerns Over Field Positioning and Managerial Decisions
Ex-Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain shared his apprehension about the lineup situation following the team’s recent 8-5 loss. Chamberlain expressed uncertainty about how manager Aaron Boone will handle the situation.
I don’t even know what to say anymore,
he wrote.
Everyone holding on ok, just checking on y’all.
—Joba Chamberlain
Manager Boone has already made some lineup calls, choosing to sit Stanton against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday and Wednesday to avoid playing him on the turf at Globe Life Park due to injury concerns. Stanton has been one of the few bright spots for the Yankees since returning from the injured list in late June, maintaining a .270 batting average with 10 home runs, 28 RBIs, and an impressive .875 OPS.
Stanton’s Readiness and Future Role in the Lineup
The question remains: will the Yankees risk having Stanton return to right field, or will they adjust the lineup to prioritize his health and effectiveness as a DH? Stanton, recovering from tennis elbow in both arms that caused him to miss the first 70 games of the season, expressed confidence in his throwing ability. Speaking with Yankees reporter Randy Miller, Stanton said,
I have good timing. It’s a line drive (throw). That’s all that matters. I have to get back out there seeing it, but I should be all right.
—Giancarlo Stanton
His optimism suggests Stanton is willing to help solve the lineup puzzle by returning to the outfield if necessary. However, with Judge’s prolific offensive contribution and ongoing recovery, the Yankees’ management faces a delicate balance between offense, defense, and player health.
Implications for the Yankees’ Season Ahead
The resolution of this lineup dilemma will be critical for the Yankees’ postseason aspirations, as both Judge and Stanton are key offensive contributors. How Boone manages their roles could influence both the team’s run production and player durability in the remaining stretch of the season. With Stanton producing a 1.0 bWAR since his recent return and Judge’s return anticipated, the Yankees have the pieces for a formidable lineup—if they can be properly aligned.