Aaron Judge’s throwing remains limited as he recovers from a flexor strain, with the team routing him to DH duties for the rest of the season. He’s on a throwing program and has stretched out to 150 feet, but the plan centers on protecting him rather than returning to full arm usage. Boone indicated the throw limit might linger, underscoring the need to keep him healthy for the stretch run.

Giancarlo Stanton has stepped into right field at times, and his bat has been a bright spot in the lineup (.299/.377/.576 with 12 homers over 44 games). The Yankees, who own a postseason spot ahead of the Red Sox and Mariners in the wild-card chase, still need both sluggers in the lineup as they push toward October. Judge’s injury adds a layer of risk—teams may test the arm on the bases—while Stanton’s health remains a key factor in optimizing fantasy lineups.

Giancarlo Stanton will return to the Yankees' lineup in right field on Tuesday after missing three games with general soreness, while Aaron Boone provided little clarity on Aaron Judge's future field status beyond a cautious approach. Judge, limited to designated hitter duties since Aug. 5, is battling a thumb issue and has no timetable for a field return. Trainers will give a thumbs up before any on-field action, with long toss expected but not a Tampa return this week. New York entered the week with a three-game lead for the final AL wild-card spot after sweeping St. Louis, and they’ll lean on Judge’s bat if he stays productive while managing risk in the outfield. Stanton, hitting .299 with 12 homers and 34 RBIs, adds steadiness but carries a long injury history that tempers expectations for him in the outfield. Boone also noted Judge’s fielding health could influence how the Yankees deploy their outfield mix going forward, especially with Judge's health remaining uncertain for the rest of the season.

Judge's elite line—batting .333 with 39 HRs, 91 RBIs, and a 1.134 OPS entering the week—gives the Yankees star power, but the team must balance production with risk if he can't throw or play the field. Stanton has surged back into action after tendinitis issues in both elbows delayed his debut until mid-June, and his recent soreness has limited his recent outfield work. The combination of Stanton's bat and Judge's health will shape New York's lineup decisions as they chase the postseason, with the wild-card battle heating up and the clock ticking on Judge’s readiness for full positional impact.

Giancarlo Stanton returns to the New York Yankees’ lineup after three games of general soreness, set to start in right field in one of the two games against the Rays while Aaron Judge remains out of the outfield. Judge’s timetable is unclear as he tests his right elbow with long toss, and Boone suggested he may not regain full throwing strength this season. The Yankees sit three games ahead of the AL wild-card cutoff, relying on production at the plate while managing health constraints. Stanton sits at .299 with 12 homers and 34 RBIs, OPS .953, while Judge has ripped .333 with 39 HR and 91 RBIs since Aug. 5 as a DH. Stanton’s risk—an outsized history of injuries—adds a layer of tension to any outfield deployment. The Cardinals were swept by New York, underscoring the club’s momentum, but Judge’s fielding absence hinders flexibility as the club navigates a critical stretch.

For fantasy players, Stanton’s return provides a power boost but comes with positional risk, especially in RF given his elbow history. Judge’s elbow uncertainty makes the outfield a flux point for the Yankees, potentially elevating Stanton’s upside in the short term and reshaping who benefits from New York’s lineup protections. The Rays series becomes a test of health, depth, and strategic use of the lineup as the team tries to hold its wild-card position while balancing rest for veterans.

Aaron Judge is back in the Yankees’ batting order, but an elbow flexor strain keeps him from his usual outfield throws this week against the Rays. Manager Aaron Boone says Judge will primarily DH for now and is focused on protecting the elbow, not regaining his full throwing velocity this season.

Judge has appeared 11 times since Aug. 5, slashing .229 with a double, 2 homers and 6 RBIs. Giancarlo Stanton has gotten some right-field work to fill the holes, but mobility concerns persist. New York must ride the rest of the lineup to keep the offense humming while safeguarding Judge’s health.

Fantasy players should still treat Judge as a big power source, but the risk of reduced speed and limited defensive value weighs on his overall ceiling. The Rays series becomes a benchmark for how far the Yankees can push their lineup—Stanton and the supporting cast must carry RBI and runs while Judge heals.

The Yankees sit atop the AL wild-card picture after a 7-3 stretch, primed for a pivotal series in the Bronx against the Rays as both clubs chase playoff spots. Tampa Bay slid from the postseason chase after dealing assets at the deadline, while New York braces for a run at the top Wild Card and a possible surge in the crowded AL East race.

In the marquee matchup, Carlos Rodón goes for New York against Shane Baz of Tampa Bay. Aaron Judge looms as a prime DFS/street-promise option, especially given his history against Baz and his power against right-handed pitching this year. The betting line has the Yankees as slim road favorites with favorable remaining schedules helping their cause.

From a fantasy angle, Rodón’s steady 2025 profile and Judge’s popping upside against Baz stand out. The Rays’ lefty-vs-righty dynamics and Tampa’s post-deadline shift add volatility, but New York’s top OPS and runs-scoring pace keep them in the center of attention as they vie for a deeper October run.