After missing a three-game series versus the Los Angeles Dodgers due to left forearm inflammation, Juan Soto made his comeback as the designated hitter for the New York Yankees against the Kansas City Royals. He slotted into the No. 2 spot in the lineup, aiming to provide a boost with his .318 batting average, 17 home runs, 53 RBIs, and impressive 1.027 OPS. The 25-year-old outfielder, acquired from the San Diego Padres, is proving to be a valuable asset for the team as they strive for success this season.
Aaron Judge, who started the Yankees’ first 67 games, was given a night off in the opener of the series against the Royals. Judge, with a .305 batting average, MLB-leading 24 homers, 59 RBIs, and a big-league-leading 1.139 OPS, has been a standout performer for the team. Despite his exceptional performance, Yankees manager Aaron Boone decided to rest Judge to prevent burnout and allow him to recuperate, especially after the team’s late-night arrival from a game against the Dodgers.
Slumping Anthony Rizzo found himself left out of the lineup for the second consecutive game as he battles through a 1-for-29 slump this month. With a .224 batting average, seven homers, and 25 RBIs, Rizzo has been struggling to find his form at the plate. Boone mentioned that Rizzo’s time off was not only to work on his hitting mechanics but also to provide a mental break for the player. The Yankees are hopeful that Rizzo can overcome his current struggles and return to his usual productive self soon.
Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole is slated to make his third minor league injury rehabilitation start on Friday. Cole, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, is an integral part of the Yankees’ pitching rotation. His return to full strength is crucial for the team’s success as they aim to secure a playoff spot and make a deep postseason run.
Overall, the lineup changes and roster decisions made by Aaron Boone have a significant impact on the Yankees’ performance on the field. By strategically resting key players like Aaron Judge and providing opportunities for others like Juan Soto to step up, the team can maintain their competitiveness and adapt to the challenges of a long and demanding season. As the Yankees continue their push for a postseason berth, the importance of player management and roster optimization cannot be understated.