Yankees' Boone: 'Good chance' Judge, Stanton return soon
The New York Yankees could see a pair of star players back in the lineup soon.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said there is a "good chance" that outfielder Aaron Judge and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton could return by next weekend, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.
The pair could get at-bats at the Yankees' alternate training site in Scranton this weekend while their teammates play a four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles, Boone added.
Judge re-injured his right calf during an Aug. 26 game after missing two weeks with the ailment.
The 28-year-old has only appeared in 18 of the Yankees' 43 games this season and owns a .292/.343/.738 slash line with nine home runs and 20 RBIs.
Stanton, meanwhile, has been limited to 14 games due to a left hamstring issue.
Like Judge, the 30-year-old has been productive for New York when healthy, posting a 1.038 OPS with three homers and seven RBIs in 54 plate appearances.
Boone also offered an update on James Paxton, admitting it will be "challenging" for the left-hander to pitch again this season but insisting there's a chance he could return.
The 31-year-old Paxton suffered a setback Wednesday during his recovery from a Grade 1 flexor strain in his left arm. He's struggled to a 6.64 ERA and 4.36 FIP in five starts this season.
New York enters Friday's action clinging on to the last American League playoff spot with a 22-21 record.