Trent Grisham is nearing a return to the New York Yankees, with manager Aaron Boone indicating the center fielder could be back in about a week. Grisham, who has been on the injured list since June 13 with a moderate right hamstring strain, met the team at Fenway Park on Thursday.
During the current series, Grisham is scheduled to participate in a full range of baseball activities. These include defensive work in the outfield and batting practice, which he began before Thursday's series opener. If he successfully navigates these steps without issue, the Yankees anticipate he will then go on a brief rehab assignment.
"He's doing really well," Boone said Thursday. "It's been encouraging. He'll probably hit the bases … a couple times this weekend while we're here. But he's getting close."
Boone added that Grisham will likely play in at least one or two rehab games to ensure he is fully capable of covering center field before his official return to the major league roster. The team initially expected a longer recovery period, but Grisham's progress has accelerated that timeline.
In other Yankees news, Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Ben Rice advanced to the second phase of All-Star voting on Thursday. Judge received the most votes among American League outfielders in the first phase, while Bellinger finished fourth. Both will compete for a starting spot in the Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia next month. Rice finished second among AL first basemen and will face Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the next round of voting, which concludes July 2.
Fernando Cruz has been effective in high-leverage situations, stranding 28 of his 32 inherited runners this season. Since April 25, he has stranded 24 of his past 25 inherited runners.
Paul Goldschmidt demonstrated his effectiveness against left-handed pitching, doubling against Red Sox lefty Connelly Early. Goldschmidt is batting .418 with a 1.323 OPS in 79 at-bats against lefties this season.
The Yankees optioned J.C. Escarra to Triple-A, making way for Ali Sánchez to be activated off the paternity list on Friday.
Manager Boone commented on facing the Boston Red Sox without former manager Alex Cora, who was recently fired. Boone noted that it felt "a little bit different" not seeing Cora in the opposing dugout, acknowledging his friend's significant presence.