The New York Yankees have dropped three straight series, loosening their grip on the AL's final Wild Card spot as they head into a pivotal stretch. Aaron Judge’s return from an elbow injury is a bright spot, but he’s serving as the designated hitter while he’s not yet cleared for the outfield, nudging Giancarlo Stanton into a more limited role. The shift in depth pressures Yankee offense and defense, with the pitching staff still finding its footing. Judge and Stanton offer the high-end upside, but Judge’s outfield return remains the key catalyst for a quick climb in the standings.

Judge’s return has brought a spark, yet the club has allowed 201 runs since July 1, the third-most in MLB, underscoring the need for pitching and defense to stabilize. If Judge can throw again and return to right field, the Yankees can reinstate their preferred balance: Judge in RF, Stanton at DH, and the offense able to lean on its two star sluggers. Judge’s .337 average and 1.137 OPS highlight the ceiling, while Stanton’s veteran power remains a potent counterpunch once he’s fully integrated again. The road to shoring up the gaps is clear, but timing matters as the playoff push tightens.