The Yankees may have Aaron Judge ready for opening day.
General manager Brian Cashman, in his first public comments since the MLB announced plans to start the 2020 season, said Tuesday that “there is optimism.” The slugger will be ready by July 23, when the Yankees are expected to open the I play against the Nationals in prime time. .
Judge has been recovering from a fractured rib believed to have suffered last September. He was sidelined during the initial spring training that was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The month-long hiatus has given the 28-year-old time to recover, and the outfielder told Sports Illustrated over the weekend that he had been able to “hit a bit” while the owners and players union was haggling over a deal to start the season. .
MLB players are expected to report to their home stadiums before July 1 for spring 2.0 practice, and Cashman said he doesn’t expect any Yankees players to withdraw from the season after four others in the league did it on Monday.
James Paxton “seems ready for the game,” Cashman said of the left-hander who has recovered from back surgery. It will be a great season for Paxton, who can become a free agent after this season.
Cashman said Giancarlo Stanton, who has been recovering a strain on his right calf since February, could be ready for DH on opening day.
Stanton may not be needed in the outfield because Cashman said his prospective Aaron Hicks (Tommy John surgery) could be ready to start the 60-game season.
The Yankees, of course, will be without pitcher Luis Severino throughout the season, as he continues to recover from Tommy John’s surgery.
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