Aaron Boone took charge of putting together the most competitive roster possible for what will undoubtedly be a highly competitive series against the BoSox. The two teams know each other very well from their battles in the AL East, and the series will likely be decided by the smallest of details.

While Judge isn’t playing for the Yankees, the plan is to rest him so he can eventually be at full strength for a later stage of the playoffs. Will the Bronx Bombers be able to come out on top in this matchup at Yankee Stadium?

Key returns for the Yankees

The Pinstripes received a timely boost for their AL Wild Card Series as both Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham were cleared to make the postseason roster. Stanton had been sidelined since late April following persistent issues with strained calf muscles in both legs, which limited him to just a handful of appearances this year before being transferred to the 60-day injured list in August.

Meanwhile, Trent Grisham missed the final weeks of the regular season after suffering a right hamstring strain in early September. Despite battling through significant recovery periods and lingering health concerns, both veterans completed their rehabilitation activities in time to be declared available for manager Aaron Boone against Boston.

The dream of returning to the World Series

The Yankees are hosting the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. As the higher-seeded team, the Yankees hold home-field advantage for the entire best-of-three series, which takes place over three consecutive days starting with Game 1 on Tuesday, September 29, followed by Game 2 on Wednesday, September 30, and an if-necessary Game 3 on Thursday, October 1.

Key takeaways

• Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham made the Yankees’ Wild Card roster while Aaron Judge was left off.
• Stanton had been sidelined since late April with strained calf muscles in both legs.
• The best-of-three series against the Boston Red Sox begins on Tuesday, September 29.

“Aaron Judge did some hitting in the cage [on Sunday]. Boone said he’s ‘making progress’. No determination if he’ll be on the roster,” as reported by Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. “We’ll listen to the trainers and medical, and see where we’re at,” Boone admitted.

Considering Boone’s latest update on Judge hadn’t been great news for the Yankees, the fact that there is still room for hope that he will be active in the Wild Card Series (best-of-three) against the Red Sox should be taken as a small win and a step in the right direction for the Bronx Bombers.

It remains to be seen how Judge might return after his stint on the 10-day injured list (IL) with a calf strain, only days removed from his 60-day IL stint with a stress fracture in his first right rib, which cost him over three months of inactivity in the 2026 MLB season.

Boone faces litmus test in AL Wild Card

Playing the entire Wild Card Series at home is an advantage for the Yankees, but it could become a burden for Boone. If New York loses the series to Boston, fans will make themselves heard, and whatever decision Boone makes on Judge, whether he plays or sits, will come with its own backlash.

The smart decision may not be the right one, and which option is correct will only be determined based on how the Yankees fare in a best-of-three series against their despised foes from Massachusetts. To add to the drama, Judge isn’t the only player making progress and, as a result, putting Boone in a tough spot.

Uncertainty around Stanton, Grisham, and Weathers

Although Stanton’s return for the 2026 postseason was always considered a longshot, recent progress gave fans hope. For the time being, however, the odds remain against the veteran designated hitter, whose activation off IL would force Boone to make a decision on Ben Rice, as well.

“Aaron Boone said they haven’t decided if Giancarlo Stanton will be on the wild card roster yet,” according to Chris Kirschner.

Similar scenarios surround Grisham (10-day IL with a hamstring injury) and Weathers (15-day IL with a forearm injury). “Trent Grisham is ‘very much in play’ to make the roster. Ryan Weathers will potentially throw today before a call is made on him being on the roster,” Kirschner’s reports concluded.

Boone can’t afford an early elimination

While the front office is still behind him, Boone is walking on thin ice with the fanbase in The Bronx, and he may not be able to survive an early playoff exit at the hands of the Red Sox.

Some might say the Yankees aren’t truly in a World-Series-or-bust situation, but that’s always the end goal for the Pinstripers. In The Bronx, baseball seasons only matter in October, and Boone’s future in New York could be decided in the biggest month of the year.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Judge hit in the cage on Sunday while recovering from a calf strain.
• Boone remains undecided on including Giancarlo Stanton on the Wild Card roster.
• Trent Grisham is in play for the roster despite a hamstring injury.

Although Judge intended to return for the postseason, the Yankees have confirmed he won’t be available if New York fails to win the AL East and must play in the AL Wild Card. Following the Yankees’ 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in the first game of the doubleheader and prior to the second game of the day (Sept. 22), the Yankees took a moment to evaluate Stanton’s health and form.

“Giancarlo Stanton is doing some agility work in between games,” Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported on his X account along with a video of the 36-year-old going through the drills at Yankee Stadium.

Based on the video posted by Kirschner, Stanton’s work appeared oriented toward base running, especially turning the corners. Considering Stanton’s role upon his return would be exclusively as a designated hitter, it would make sense for his training to be base-running related rather than fielding related.

NY Yankees don’t have lineup spot for Stanton

Regardless, and even if he’s somehow fully healed from injuries to both his calves throughout the season (the latest setback being in late August and landing him on the 60-day injured list), dressing Stanton would bring its fair share of complications for the Yankees.

If Stanton is brought into the lineup, where does Ben Rice, the current designated hitter, fit in? The Yankees may be all in for a brazen move to shake up the lineup before the postseason, but that’s not to say they will remove their second-best bat, behind Judge, from the equation, which would in turn mean they would be without their two best hitters.

Rice is a virtual lock at DH

Rice hasn’t played first base in a while, and one of the most recent memories of him at 1B was a ninth-inning error against the Toronto Blue Jays on Aug. 16. That game would head to extra innings, where Rice would win it with a two-run home run.

If that game proved anything, it’s that Rice is far more valuable to the Pinstripers with his bat and helmet than he is with the glove and cap. It would make little sense to send him back to first base in the postseason, especially with Luis Garcia Jr. and Paul Goldschmidt proving capable enough of covering that base.

Stanton can’t be Judge’s replacement

Stanton’s days as an MLB outfielder are well behind him, so that’s a no-go for him to be the direct replacement for Judge in right field. Stanton hasn’t played a game in the outfield since last season, and everything around his health and recent storylines simply screams designated hitter. But with that position covered, there may be nowhere for Boone to fit Stanton.

Perhaps being unfit to play is better for Stanton than having to deal with the frustration of being healthy enough yet limited to watching the action from the dugout in civilian clothes.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Judge will not be available for the AL Wild Card round.
• The Yankees evaluated Giancarlo Stanton during agility and base-running drills between games.
• Yankees may not have a spot in the lineup for Stanton.

“He’s been hitting, so we’ll see,” the manager said. A moderate left calf strain landed Stanton on the Injured List, but judging by Boone’s comments, a return could be on the horizon.

The hope of seeing Stanton back on the field is also boosted by Aaron Judge’s upcoming return to the Yankees lineup. Will the Bronx Bombers be able to have all of their stars at full strength for the postseason?

Stanton’s impact on the Pinstripes

Before landing on the IL in late August, Giancarlo Stanton was providing some crucial middle-of-the-order pop for the Yankees. Through 112 games, Big G was slashing .238 with 24 home runs and 67 RBIs, delivering that signature exit-velocity fear factor every time he stepped into the box as the primary DH.

His raw power gave the Bronx Bombers serious length in their lineup, making his late-season absence a massive void for New York to fill right in the thick of the pennant race.

What’s left for the Yankees down the final stretch?

Aaron Boone’s Yankees have a pretty wild, high-stakes September slate to wrap up the regular season, finishing off a road clash against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park (Sept. 6) before returning home for a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium (Sept. 8–10).

From there, they’ll host the New York Mets in a huge crosstown Subway Series at home (Sept. 11–13), take a quick Midwest trip to face the Minnesota Twins at Target Field (Sept. 14–16), and head out west again to take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field (Sept. 18–20).

Finally, they’ll close out the stretch right in the Bronx with a four-game division series against the Tampa Bay Rays (Sept. 22–24) and a massive AL East regular-season finale against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium (Sept. 25–27).

“Playing brings risk, but we’re not going to put [Judge] out there where he is in jeopardy. If he’s not ready, he’s not ready to go,” Boone admitted during his pregame press conference on Tuesday. “No, that’s not my plan [to have Judge as designated hitter].”

Amid a report that the Yankees could be saving Judge’s return for a special date against the New York Mets, when the final Subway Series of the 2026 MLB season kicks off on Sept. 11, a theory suggested Judge could be back before that game but as a designated hitter.

Judge will return

However, Boone made it clear that’s not what he has in mind for Judge. Instead, he expects him to resume his right fielder duties when he returns. Still, everything remains subject to change. The Yankees’ manager made it known the team will cross that bridge when it comes to it.

“No, [Stanton‘s setback doesn’t change that]. I’m not saying there won’t be a DH day there, but my plan is to have him playing on the field. We will make whatever adjustments we need to when that time comes,” Boone stated.

Last year, when Judge returned from a flexor tendon strain in his right elbow that cost him 10 days on the injured list (IL), he returned as a designated hitter in his first game back wearing the Pinstripes.

Thus, there’s reason to believe Boone and the Yankees could have a similar plan in place when Judge returns from the 60-day IL in 2026. Boone ruled out that possibility as a long-term scenario, but left the door open for an occasional outing as a designated hitter here and there.

Judge takes new step in right direction

“Aaron Judge is expected to hit in the cages [Tuesday], Aaron Boone said. He has been doing tee-and-toss, so Boone said he expects Judge to advance to overhand batting practice,” as reported by Bryan Hoch from MLB.com.

It’s getting to the point where encouraging updates on Judge’s rehab from his rib stress fracture are a daily occurrence for fans in the Bronx. Still, Judge has yet to be activated from the IL and sent to the plate. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters.

The Yankees will remain patient, and with Stanton trending toward missing the rest of the season, they have one less player to worry about calling up on Sept. 1, when rosters expand to 28 players. However, the Bronx Bombers are also aware that every game counts, and the sooner Judge can get back in action, the better positioned he’ll be to return to his best form by the time October arrives.

“Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves: Transferred DH/OF Giancarlo Stanton to the 60-day injured list,” as announced on the Yankees’ X account. It was also confirmed New York will be resorting to reliever Justin Topa, who was called up to the active roster.

The Yankees’ announcement came on the heels of Aaron Boone’s concerning update on Stanton’s health. Dealing with a calf strain, the veteran slugger suffered a setback to his other calf, prompting a 60-day IL designation. Stanton had been on the 10-day IL since April.

With a little over a month left in the season, it seems this is all she wrote for Stanton’s chances of returning in 2026. The Yankees have yet to confirm that, but all signs point in that direction. Moreover, fans don’t need to be told in order to make their own assumptions.

NY Yankees fans react to Stanton’s 60-day IL

Although he made his best effort to return in the 2026 MLB season, it seems it won’t be enough. As Stanton remains sidelined and on the IL, fans reacted to the club’s announcement with nostalgic and deflated messages.

“Thank you for everything Big G,” one fan wrote in a comment that perfectly captures how the fanbase feels. Not only is Stanton’s season likely over, many believe he won’t be back with the Yankees in 2027. “Wow, this might actually be the last of Stanton in stripes,” another fan replied to the Yankees’ post.

NY Yankees out of patience

Missing time with injuries too often, the Yankees’ trust may have run out with Stanton. In 2026 alone, Stanton suffered three injury setbacks just when New York expected him to return.

Stanton’s monstrous 13-year, $325 million deal does create some hurdles for the Yankees, but it’s not as if they can’t clear them. It will come at a cost, indeed, but at some point, the Pinstripers will have to bite the bullet. Perhaps the time has come.

Stanton’s last full season was in 2018, and since the Yankees acquired him in 2017, they have no World Series title to show for it. There’s little reason to believe that will change soon, and if it does in 2026, it won’t be with Stanton playing a big role—if any role at all.

Can Yankees move on from Stanton?

Trading Stanton isn’t possible unless he waives his full no-trade clause. And with Stanton signed through 2027, including a club option for 2028, the only way New York can part ways with him is by designating him for assignment (DFA). In that case, the Yankees would have to foot the bill for his salary.

Thanks to the Miami Marlins covering $10 million of the investment, New York is due to pay Stanton $15 million in 2027. By the looks of it, and judging by how fans are reacting, the Bronx Bombers may pay Stanton that figure only for him to move on from the Bronx.

Stanton’s stats in 2026

Judging by the noise around him, it looks like Stanton is out for the year. Thus, his numbers through 24 games in the 2026 MLB season may be final, and perhaps his last ever in the Show. In 2026, Stanton recorded eight runs, 23 hits, and three home runs. Moreover, he posted a .256 AVG, .302 OBP, .422 SLG, and .724 OPS.

The door is now open for all sorts of rumors. Will Stanton call it a career? Will he be back in 2027? And if he does, will he call New York home, or is he off to another city? That’s all buzz for the offseason and the dog days of winter. New York has bigger fish to fry with the postseason coming up, and unfortunately, it looks like Stanton won’t be a factor.

Stanton’s injury status took another hit after he strained his calf while running the bases in practice, and what little hope remained for New York may have vanished entirely. According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the odds of Stanton playing again for the Yankees in 2026 are slim to none.

“Looks like [Stanton] is not coming back. He injured his other calf,” Ken Rosenthal stated on Foul Territory. “The Yankees are a lesser without him, so this hurts. The fact that [Stanton] is not coming back definitely hurts, especially when they are already without [Aaron] Judge.”

Stanton has been out since April

The Yankees know just how much of a factor Stanton can be when he’s healthy and dialed in. However, they didn’t get to enjoy that version of Stanton in 2026, and it looks like they won’t do so for the remainder of the season.

Stanton’s last appearance for the Pinstripers came on April 24, when the Yankees obliterated the Houston Astros 12-4 on the road. In what is shaping up to be his final game of the season, Stanton recorded a hit and an RBI in three at-bats.

As things stand, Stanton batted .256 this season with a .302 OBP, .422 SLG, and .724 OPS. By the looks of it—and the reports coming out of Yankee Stadium—those will be his final numbers of the season. They would all represent a downgrade from his stats in 2025, when he posted a .273 batting average, .350 OBP, .594 SLG, and .944 OPS.

Stanton’s future

Although his injury concerns raise eyebrows, as do questions about how much longer he will call New York home, Stanton’s contract with the Bronx Bombers could put all speculation to rest. The 36-year-old designated hitter has one more guaranteed year left on his 13-year, $325 million contract, which he signed with the Miami Marlins back in November 2014.

Moreover, the Yankees have a $15 million club option that would automatically re-sign Stanton for the 2028 campaign. In 2029, at age 39, Stanton will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in MLB.

MLB.com insider Bryan Hoch recently outlined the financial details remaining on Stanton’s massive deal. “His contract – initially signed with the Marlins in November 2014 – includes a $25 million club option for the 2028 season, which carries a $10 million buyout,” Hoch posted on X. “The Marlins are in the process of paying the Yankees $30 million to offset the deal – $10 million annually in 2026, ’27 and ’28.”

That financial structure leaves the Yankees facing a pivotal crossroads regarding Stanton’s future heading into the 2028 season, as decision-makers evaluate whether to exercise his option or cut ties via the buyout.

With starting pitcher Max Fried taking significant steps in his injury rehab, the Yankees are doing everything in their power to stay competitive in the playoff race. However, with Stanton sidelined by a fresh setback and Aaron Judge working his way back onto the field, New York’s primary objective is simply staying afloat.

Stanton’s impact with the Yankees so far

Stanton’s tenure in New York has been defined by extreme raw power paired with severe availability constraints. Acquired via trade following his 2017 NL MVP campaign, he arrived to form a middle-of-the-order pairing with Judge. However, constant lower-body injuries have restricted him primarily to a designated hitter role, complicating roster depth and financial flexibility under his massive contract.

Despite regular-season durability frustrations, Stanton has consistently delivered in high-stakes October moments. His ability to elevate his power production during deep playoff pushes—highlighted by an ALCS MVP award during New York’s 2024 American League pennant run—has made him one of the franchise’s most dangerous postseason hitters.

Ultimately, Stanton’s time in New York represents a complex trade-off between health and elite power output. While persistent injuries prevent him from being an everyday presence, his game-changing postseason heroics solidify his role as a crucial pillar of the team’s pursuit of a championship.

“It’s a moderate calf strain, so he’ll continue to rehab to try and get that right,” Boone said. Despite his desire to help his teammates on the field, it appears that Stanton may not be able to return this season.

Boone also added: “I think you all know how bad he wants to be on that field contributing to a championship.” For a team with serious intentions of making it back to the World Series, this setback could be a major blow, not only from a sporting standpoint but also psychologically for the roster.

Stanton’s return was almost a certainty before this setback, which was certainly not part of the plan. Boone, fully supporting his player, showed nothing but respect: “He has the utmost respect and admiration of everyone in that room and especially me.”

An anticipated return

Not all the news is negative for the Yankees at this point in the season. ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, through his X account, reported that Cody Bellinger will be activated tomorrow, giving this team a much-needed boost.

The Yankees have the postseason in their sights

The New York Yankees are set for a critical home stand at Yankee Stadium, starting with an AL East matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays (August 21–23). Immediately following, they host a high-stakes three-game series against the Houston Astros (August 25–27) before capping off the home stretch with a classic rivalry battle facing the Boston Red Sox (August 28–30).

With the trio of Bellinger, Stanton, and Judge out until further notice, the Yankees appear stuck in a Groundhog Day-like fate. Their latest outings look virtually indistinguishable from one another. New York’s pitching rotation looks dominant all game long, but the offense remains anemic, and eventually, a defensive breakdown decides the game. Sick and tired of watching this scenario unfold and determined not to let it linger any longer, Cole sent a strong message.

“We’re having a good time pitching and playing close games. Certainly we want to blow guys out and secure as many wins as possible,” Cole admitted, via the New York Post. “At the same time, we’re throwing the ball well, we’re playing good defense and we’re hanging in a lot of games, giving ourselves a chance to win.”

Cole calls out the offense

Obviously, Cole didn’t go as far as to throw his teammates under the bus. He didn’t need to, he still got his message across. It’s clear the subpar batting is costing New York in its race for postseason baseball, while the strong pitching is the main reason the Yankees are even in these games.

This topic is nothing new. Recently, manager Aaron Boone warned Jazz Chisholm Jr.—arguably the most disappointing Yankees batter during the 2026 MLB season—and even Chisholm Jr. was brutally honest about his at-bat struggles. As much as fans in the Bronx may want to use Jazz as a scapegoat, the problems in the batting order extend far beyond Chisholm Jr.

Clearly, and reasonably so, being without three of their most efficient and powerful bats (Bellinger, Judge, and Stanton) hurts. That’s still not an excuse strong enough for Boone and company to be complacent with the recent batting numbers. Empty at-bats and quiet innings continue to ruin otherwise great days and nights on the mound, and at some point, enough has to be enough, even without the three stars.

NY Yankees letting elite pitching go to waste

Cole didn’t name names or point fingers across the dugout, but he delivered a wake-up call regardless. The Yankees boast a Cy Young Award favorite in Cam Schlittler and arguably the best rotation in the American League.

Still, they have yet to firmly establish themselves as a playoff team in 2026. That’s mainly on the offense, as its production leaves much to be desired and has the red-hot pitchers scratching their heads.

However, Bellinger continues to prove the Yankees’ initial timeline wrong as he is well ahead of schedule. It seems Bellinger will be the first of the trio to return to MLB action. Meanwhile, Stanton may only be a step away from returning and has started running bases, albeit to a limited extent—which Bellinger hasn’t done yet. Regardless, manager Boone believes Bellinger remains ahead of the rest of the injured stars.

“[Bellinger hasn’t started base-running yet], but Bellinger feels closer [to returning], though,” Boone admitted during an appearance on Talkin’ Yanks podcast. “He’s doing agility. I would expect that intensity to be pretty good this week. I would think we would get him into a game or two before bringing him.”

NY Yankees are on a roll

Injury-riddled or not, with or without Judge, Bellinger, and Stanton, the Bronx Bombers are putting up a resistance and staying afloat in the AL East race. New York is still several games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the division lead and a spot in the American League Division Series, but the Yankees are still ahead of the Boston Red Sox in second place.

Moreover, the positive news come in bunches. Boone revealed important progress in Judge’s injury recovery, which only adds to the hype in the Bronx as the postseason draws closer, and the Pinstripers appear to be right on track.

NY Yankees’ lineup came to life

On top of it all, the starting rotation of Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, and Gerrit Cole is on a tear despite Carlos Rodon’s absence. Even Ryan Weathers is putting pressure on Boone to give him an even bigger role.

The offense has come alive after some rough outings, and Trent Grisham’s surge is a big reason, as is the immediate impact from rookie George Lombard Jr. Long story short, the Yankees are clicking, even without arguably their best hitters in Judge, Bellinger, and Stanton.

All that matters, however, is how the Bronx Bombers do in the postseason, and fans will have no fond memories of this 2026 campaign if it ends in the same old shaggy-dog story. The Yankees are well aware of that. And that’s another reason why Boone and company won’t rush any of his injured stars back onto the plate.