Yankees Activate Judge, Add Leiter Jr

Yankees Reinstate Aaron Judge & Clarke Schmidt Amidst Roster Shakeup

Arlington,TX – In a flurry of roster moves announced Tuesday,the New York Yankees activated star outfielder Aaron Judge and right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt from their respective injured lists. The moves come as the Yankees attempt to right the ship after a frustrating four-game losing streak, including a 8-5 extra-innings defeat against the Texas Rangers on Monday night.

Judge, sidelined as July 25 with a right elbow flexor strain, is expected to be eased back into action. Manager Aaron Boone indicated the team will take a cautious approach,monitoring Judge’s arm before immediately returning him to right field duties.

Schmidt had been on the 15-day injured list with a stress fracture in his left leg.The Yankees didn’t stop with the activations. They also recalled right-handed pitcher Yerry De Los Santos from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-barre. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher JT Brubaker was designated for assignment, and outfielder Austin Slater was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.

Jake Bird was optioned to Triple-A following Monday’s game, where he took the loss after surrendering a go-ahead home run to Josh jung. Bird has struggled since being acquired from colorado, posting a 27.00 ERA in three appearances.

Judge’s Return: A Boost for a Struggling Offense

The reinstatement of Judge is a meaningful development for the Yankees, who currently trail the Toronto Blue Jays by 5.5 games in the American League East. Judge has been a dominant force at the plate this season, leading the majors in batting average (.342), on-base percentage (.449), and slugging percentage (.711). He boasts 37 home runs and 85 RBIs in just 103 games played.

Roster Context & Looking ahead

Schmidt’s return adds depth to the Yankees’ bullpen, where he has a 4.46 ERA and two saves in 41 relief appearances this season. De Los Santos, who has a 1.78 ERA in 17 appearances with the Yankees this year, provides another arm out of the bullpen. Brubaker had a 3.38 ERA in 12 appearances. Slater, recently acquired from the White Sox, has yet to find his footing in New York, going 0-for-7 in three games.

The yankees will need to quickly turn things around as they continue their series against the Rangers in Arlington. The team’s performance in the coming weeks will be crucial as they navigate a competitive AL East and strive for a playoff berth.

How might Aaron Judge’s return impact the Yankees’ playoff chances, considering his previous MVP performance?

Yankees Activate Judge, Add Leiter Jr: Boost for Playoff Push

Aaron Judge Returns to Lineup

After a lengthy stint on the injured list due to a right hamstring strain, new York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge has been activated. The news, confirmed this morning, provides a massive boost to the team’s playoff hopes. Judge’s return immediately elevates the Yankees’ offensive potential adn adds a crucial power threat to the middle of the order.

Injury Details: Judge sustained the hamstring injury on July 15th during a game against the Kansas City Royals.

Rehab Process: he underwent a rigorous rehabilitation program, including extensive work with the Yankees’ training staff. Reports indicate he progressed well, exceeding expectations in simulated game situations.

Impact on Lineup: Manager Aaron Boone is expected to slot Judge back into his familiar leadoff role, providing protection for other key hitters.

fan Reaction: The announcement has ignited excitement among Yankees fans, with ticket sales and social media engagement spiking immediately following the news.

Jack Leiter Jr.Joins the Roster

alongside Judge’s return, the Yankees have announced the promotion of pitching prospect Jack Leiter jr. from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Leiter, a highly touted right-hander, will make his MLB debut as a starting pitcher.

Prospect Ranking: Leiter was ranked as the Yankees’ #3 prospect by MLB Pipeline prior to his call-up.

Minor League Stats (2025): in 22 starts with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Leiter posted a 3.25 ERA with 135 strikeouts and 45 walks across 120 innings.

Pitch Repertoire: Leiter features a fastball that averages 95 mph, a devastating slider, and a developing changeup.Scouts praise his command and poise on the mound.

Rotation Implications: Leiter’s addition provides much-needed depth to the Yankees’ starting rotation, which has been plagued by injuries throughout the season.

Judge’s Past Performance & Key Stats

Aaron Judge’s impact on the Yankees is undeniable. Here’s a look at some of his career highlights:

1. 2022 AL MVP: judge won the American League MVP award in 2022 after hitting a record-breaking 62 home runs.
2. Career Home Runs: As of August 6, 2025, Judge has 215 career home runs.
3. On-Base Percentage: Judge boasts a career .405 on-base percentage, demonstrating his ability to consistently get on base.
4. Slugging Percentage: his career slugging percentage of.584 highlights his power-hitting prowess.

Leiter Jr.’s Scouting report & Potential

leiter Jr. represents a significant investment in the Yankees’ future. His progress has been closely monitored by the association.

Strengths: Remarkable command, plus fastball, potential for three plus pitches, competitive demeanor.

Areas for betterment: Consistency with secondary pitches, refining his changeup, adjusting to MLB hitters.

Comparison to Other Pitchers: Scouts have drawn comparisons to pitchers like Kyle Hendricks and Kevin Gausman, known for their command and ability to generate weak contact.

Long-Term Outlook: The Yankees envision Leiter Jr. as a key component of their starting rotation for years to come.

Yankees Playoff Picture & Upcoming Schedule

These additions come at a critical juncture in the season. The Yankees are currently battling for a Wild Card spot in the American League.

Current Standings: (As of August 6, 2025) Yankees are 2.5 games behind the Baltimore Orioles for the final Wild Card position.

Upcoming Series: The Yankees will face the tampa Bay Rays in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium, followed by a road trip to face the Toronto Blue Jays.

Key Games: the series against the Rays will be crucial, as Tampa Bay is also in contention for a playoff berth.

Playoff Odds: With judge back in the lineup and Leiter jr. providing a boost to the rotation, the Yankees’ playoff odds have significantly improved. According to FanGraphs, their chances of making the postseason are now 68%.

Benefits of Judge & Leiter Jr. to the yankees

the combined impact of Judge and Leiter Jr. offers several key benefits:

Offensive Firepower: Judge’s return instantly upgrades the Yankees’ offense, providing a much-needed power threat.

Pitching Depth: Leiter Jr.’s addition strengthens the starting rotation, providing a valuable option down the stretch.

Increased Competition: The presence of these two players raises the overall level of competition within the team, motivating other players to perform at their best.

Fan Engagement: Judge and Leiter Jr.are both popular players who are sure to generate excitement among fans.

Practical Tips for Following the Yankees

For fans eager to follow the Yankees’ playoff push:

MLB.com: Visit the official MLB website (https://www.mlb.com/yankees) for the latest news, scores, and stats.

YES Network: Tune in to the YES Network for live game broadcasts and pre- and post-game coverage.

* Social Media: