Yankees' Boone: 'Good chance' Judge, Stanton return soon

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 08: Aaron Judge (99) of the Yankees is congratulated upon scoring a run by Giancarlo Stanton (27) during the 1st game of the doubleheader between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays on August 08, 2020 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL.
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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.

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