Star outfielder Aaron Judge is ready to rejoin the New York Yankees after his brief 10-day stint on the injured list due to a flexor strain. With tests confirming his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) remains intact, Judge avoided the need for invasive procedures like Tommy John surgery and is set to get back on the field. This news is especially timely as the Yankees have lost four consecutive games without Judge in their lineup, making his return a vital boost for the struggling team.
While Judge is expected to resume his position in the batting order, the Yankees face a strategic challenge in determining his defensive role as he recovers. Despite the injury appearing minor and the short absence, the club may ease him back by assigning him as the designated hitter (DH) initially, allowing Judge to gradually return to full workload.
Managing the Lineup: Balancing Judge’s Comeback with Giancarlo Stanton’s Role
The Yankees have a key lineup consideration with Giancarlo Stanton, who currently occupies the DH spot and has been performing well offensively. Stanton has not played the field since mid-September of last year but recently began taking fly balls and outfield practice. The Yankees are contemplating moving Stanton to the outfield temporarily to keep both powerful hitters in the lineup while Judge transitions back to full defensive duties.
Mike Axisa, a baseball analyst, commented on the situation, saying,
“Despite that, the Yankees have discussed playing Stanton in the outfield as a way to keep his bat in the lineup while Judge is limited to DH. Stanton started taking fly balls and doing outfield work last week. [Manager Aaron] Boone indicated the earliest Stanton would play the outfield is on the club’s upcoming homestand, which begins Friday.”
—Mike Axisa, Baseball Analyst
Meanwhile, Judge continues to lead all MLB players in Wins Above Replacement (WAR), indicating that his injury hiatus has not derailed his pursuit to repeat as American League MVP.
Other Sports Notes: Significant Updates from Across Leagues
While Aaron Judge’s return headlines this update, several other sports stories have unfolded recently. The <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA trade deadline witnessed the Seattle Storm trading Alysha Clark, Zia Cooke, and a 2026 first-round pick to the Washington Mystics in exchange for guard Brittney Sykes. In the NFL, free agent wide receiver Keenan Allen rejoined the Los Angeles Chargers following a period with the Chicago Bears, and rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is slated to start for the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers.
The Los Angeles Rams extended running back Kyren Williams’ contract for three years, valued at $33 million, in contrast to fantasy football owners’ hopes for Jarquez Hunter. The University of Louisiana Monroe made an unusual decision to appoint football coach Bryant Vincent as the interim athletic director. Meanwhile, former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater officially returned to the league, joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after they initially pursued Tom Brady. The Dallas Cowboys are also witnessing a positive trend with wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens becoming a promising duo.
WNBA Player Caitlin Clark Continues to Sit Out Amid Injury Concerns
On less positive notes, Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever remains sidelined, missing her eighth straight game due to various injuries this season. Clark’s return timeline remains uncertain as the team continues to adopt a cautious approach. Coach Stephanie White recently emphasized there is no set timetable for Clark’s comeback, reflecting ongoing injury concerns. Clark has faced multiple injuries including a left quadriceps strain diagnosed in late May, a right groin injury in June, and a subsequent left groin strain in July.
Jack Maloney from CBS Sports highlighted Clark’s performance limitations in the games she has played, stating,
“Clark has been limited to 13 games this season, and while she’s put up solid counting stats — 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists — she has been mired in a dreadful shooting slump. Her shooting splits are down across the board, and she’s at 36.7% from the field, including 27.9% from 3-point range. Notably, she is just 2 of 35 from behind the arc on the road.”
—Jack Maloney, CBS Sports Analyst
Despite Clark’s absence, Indiana Fever have remained competitive, recently appearing at No. 3 in WNBA power rankings after winning five consecutive games before their recent loss.
Concerns Mount for Several Teams with Injuries and Suspensions
The Yankees faced a setback as recent acquisition Jake Bird was sent to Triple-A after conceding seven runs over two innings. The Chicago Cubs’ latest trade pickup, Michael Soroka, was placed on the injured list due to shoulder issues following a brief appearance. The Green Bay Packers saw cornerback Nate Hobbs undergo meniscus surgery, casting doubt on his availability for the regular season opener.
Complications off the field have also emerged, including an ex-Miami Heat employee charged with stealing and selling memorabilia allegedly worth millions. Additionally, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison received a three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Quarterback Will Howard, backup to Aaron Rodgers, announced he anticipates being sidelined for at least three weeks due to a hand injury.
Micah Parsons’ Contract Talks Remain Unsettled as Cowboys Look Ahead
Contract negotiations between Dallas Cowboys star edge rusher Micah Parsons and the team remain tense, with Parsons expressing his frustration publicly and requesting a trade last week. Although Parsons has remained with the team, he has not participated in recent practices, including the joint session with the Los Angeles Rams. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed to reporters, including Garrett Podell of CBS Sports, that he has not communicated directly with Parsons following the trade demand.
Jones also expressed uncertainty about Parsons being ready for the Cowboys’ season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. When asked about Parsons’ availability, Jones responded,
No, absolutely not. A big part of that is his decision. How would I know that? I’m just saying. No, but I’m urgent.
—Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner
Washington Spirit’s NWSL Momentum Builds with Trinity Rodman’s Return
After more than four months away from action due to a back injury, Spirit forward Trinity Rodman made a notable return on August 3. Coming on as a late substitute against Portland Thorns, Rodman scored a stoppage-time winning goal, securing Washington’s third victory in five matches. Her comeback enhances the Spirit’s prospects as they seek to climb higher in the National Women’s Soccer League standings.
Soccer analyst Sandra Herrera praised Rodman’s return, saying,
“Trinity Rodman couldn’t be more back if there was some sort of hidden time-shifting tunnel in the Spirit locker room. The winger made a triumphant return to the pitch after a four-month absence and scored in her comeback, helping Washington secure a win. With more Spirit players getting back into form with Croix Bethune and Hal Herfshfelt in the mix, new head coach Adrian Gonzalez could have a deep roster to work with down the stretch.”
—Sandra Herrera, NWSL Analyst
The Spirit’s upcoming challenge is a matchup against Gotham FC, currently ranked eighth in the league.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors Unlikely to Materialize Soon
Speculation about Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo requesting a trade has persisted, fueled recently by his dissatisfaction over the team’s roster moves, including releasing Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner. However, experts suggest an actual trade is improbable at this stage of the offseason.
Sam Quinn noted,
“June, or depending on circumstances, early July, is usually the easiest time to make a major trade. It’s when rosters are at their most flexible. That’s true in a literal sense, as roster size limits are increased to 20, but it’s also true in a functional one. Teams haven’t committed resources yet. They haven’t signed their mid-level and minimum-salary free agents. They haven’t brought back their own players on expired deals. They haven’t committed the players that they do have under contract to separate trades yet, and they’re set up to build around whatever players they actually have traded for.”
—Sam Quinn, NBA Analyst
February is identified as another busy period for trades, but that remains six months away, leaving current Giannis trade talk as mostly speculative noise.
Sports Events to Watch on Wednesday
Baseball fans can look forward to a packed MLB schedule covering multiple games on MLB Network, including the Guardians at Mets, Twins at Tigers, Cardinals at Dodgers, and Padres at Diamondbacks. The Brewers face the Braves on FS1 in the evening, while basketball enthusiasts can catch the Aces versus the Valkyries on NBA TV at 10 p.m.
Significance of Aaron Judge’s Return and Outlook for the Yankees
The return of Aaron Judge to the Yankees lineup comes at a crucial moment as the team seeks to halt its recent losing streak. His presence not only strengthens their offensive firepower but also influences strategic decisions, such as how to best utilize Giancarlo Stanton alongside Judge. Successfully reintegrating Judge while managing lineup dynamics could help stabilize the team and improve its standings as the season progresses. Observers will closely watch Judge’s transition back to full play and how the Yankees navigate these adjustments in the coming weeks.