Aaron Judge took another round of batting practice Saturday, but again was only available in a non-hitting role off the bench. Still no date is set for the slugger to play in a simulated game.
After spending seven weeks out with a fractured wrist, Judge returned as a defensive replacement in the Yankees’ 11-0 victory against the Blue Jays on Friday night, and his return to the lineup appears inevitable.
This summer, Aaron Boone filled the hole in right field by using career infielder Neil Walker there on several occasions. When Judge returns, the manager will have five players — Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks, Brett Gardner and Andrew McCutchen — for four spots, including designated hitter.