The New York Yankees on Friday activated Aaron Judge from the 10-day disabled list even though the slugger will not be able to hit for the team yet.
Judge has been out since being hit by a pitch on the wrist against the Kansas City Royals on July 26. He initially was expected to only miss around three weeks, but his recovery took much longer and he still isn’t ready to hit. However, the Yankees want his presence in the clubhouse and dugout and can use him as a pinch runner and defensive player.
Aaron Boone said that the #Yankees are “probably a couple of days away from making a decision” about how they will get Aaron Judge some simulated at-bats.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) September 14, 2018
Boone said that even though Judge can’t bat yet, he thinks Judge’s presence on the bench will be a boost for the other players.
“He’s Aaron Judge.”
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) September 14, 2018
Activating a player who only offers a few skills for the time being isn’t as costly in September as it would be earlier in the season. With rosters expanded to 40 players, teams can afford to have specialists and players who only offer limited benefits. Ultimately, Judge looks like he may be able to get some at-bats for the Yankees before the postseason begins.
