The Yankees' next month without Aaron Judge tests their depth, useful context for a baseball fan following the AL East race.
Yankees face Red Sox without Judge Story flow and key facts
The New York Yankees are moving forward without Aaron Judge, who was placed on the injured list with a stress fracture in his first rib. The injury will keep the team's star slugger out for at least four to six weeks, marking his longest absence since 2023. Judge, widely regarded as the best hitter in MLB, will miss a critical stretch of the season as the Yankees host the Boston Red Sox in a key division matchup.
Without Judge, manager Aaron Boone is turning to utility players like Jose Caballero and Max Schuemann to fill right field, with occasional appearances from Cody Bellinger. The Yankees enter the series 7-3 in their last 10 games, having just edged the Cleveland Guardians 2-1. Still, replacing Judge’s offensive production remains a steep challenge.
On the mound, left-hander Ryan Weathers starts for the Yankees in his first career appearance against Boston. For the Red Sox, Sonny Gray returns to face his former team with a 4-0 record and 2.00 ERA over his last five starts. Boston arrives struggling offensively, having scored three or fewer runs in 34 games this season, despite Willson Contreras’ 12 home runs.
Facts
- Aaron Judge is out 4–6 weeks with a stress fracture in his first rib.
- The Yankees are 7-3 in their last 10 games, despite Judge missing the last three.
- Ryan Weathers starts for the Yankees in his first career appearance against Boston.
- Sonny Gray is 4-0 with a 2.00 ERA in five starts since returning from injury.
- The Red Sox have been held to three runs or fewer in 34 games this season.
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