Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that Judge will make his Grapefruit League debut Saturday against the Astros, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.
Judge has been healthy early on in camp, but the Yankees wanted to ease him into game action this spring after he played 172 games between the regular season and postseason in 2024. The two-time MVP is slated to play right field and bat second for the Yankees this season.
Yankees' Aaron Judge: Expected to bat second this season
Rotowire
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said in an interview with Foul Territory TV on Wednesday that he plans to bat Judge second this season.
Judge hit in the two hole regularly in 2023 before moving to the three spot in 2024 while Juan Soto batted second. With Soto moving across town, Judge will now return to the second spot in the Yankees' lineup in 2025. Boone also seemed to imply that he'll likely hit either Cody Bellinger or Jazz Chisholm third, at least against right-handers. He has not decided on a leadoff hitter, but Chisholm and Jasson Dominguez seem to be the top candidates.
Yankees' Aaron Judge: Trending for March 1 spring debut
Rotowire
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he expects Judge to make his Grapefruit League debut March 1 or shortly thereafter, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.
Judge isn't dealing with an injury during camp, but the Yankees plan to hold the star outfielder out for the first week and a half of exhibition play to let players vying for roster spots pick up more at-bats. After Judge played 172 games between the regular season and postseason in 2024, Boone is mindful of building in some extra maintenance this spring for the reigning American League MVP as he prepares for what should be another hefty game count in 2025, assuming health prevails. Judge should help his chances of staying healthy by handling a less active role on the defensive end during the upcoming season, as he's expected to move back to his more natural right field position after he made the majority of his starts in center field in 2024 while former teammate Juan Soto patrolled right field.
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