SAN DIEGO — The New York Yankees are off Monday, but Aaron Judge is expected to face live pitching at Yankee Stadium, marking a key step in his recovery from a right rib stress fracture. This session is anticipated to occur sometime this week, pending his stamina development.
As of Sunday, the Yankees were still determining who would pitch to Judge, who aims to avoid a rehab assignment after spending over three months on the injured list. Judge indicated on Friday that he would likely need to face live pitching 'a couple' of times before being activated, suggesting he may not return for Tuesday’s series opener against the Rockies. Yankees manager Aaron Boone did not confirm if Tuesday was unrealistic for Judge’s return.
Before Sunday’s game, Judge participated in base running and defensive drills in right field. Jasson Domínguez, who is expected to return to Triple-A once Judge is activated, started in right field on Sunday and made a fielding error that allowed a single to become a triple, although it did not cost the Yankees.
Boone commented on the error, stating, 'Obviously a play you’ve got to make. Didn’t make it. Fortunately we were able to get out of that inning, but just didn’t make the play.' Domínguez finished the game with one hit in four at-bats.
Clarke Schmidt, who made his third rehab appearance with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, will not pitch to Judge, as he needs additional rehab outings before rejoining the Yankees bullpen. Ryan Weathers has begun his throwing program following a two-week shutdown due to a left forearm flexor strain. Giancarlo Stanton is hitting but remains unlikely to return this season. Former Yankee Michael King used Judge’s walk-up song, Pop Smoke’s 'Hello,' as a tribute during warmups on Sunday. The Yankees also optioned Elmer Rodriguez to Triple-A after having him in the bullpen over the weekend without using him.