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The Express Gazette
Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Yankees Tap Stanton, Lefty Advantage Against Red Sox Amidst Judge's Absence

With Aaron Judge sidelined by a calf injury, the Yankees are set to rely on Giancarlo Stanton and their platoon of left-handed hitters to counter a left-heavy Red Sox pitching staff in their upcoming series.

Sports • 2 hours ago
Yankees Tap Stanton, Lefty Advantage Against Red Sox Amidst Judge's Absence

The New York Yankees are navigating a critical series against the Boston Red Sox with a notable absence: star outfielder Aaron Judge. Judge has been ruled out due to a calf injury, a significant blow for the team as they prepare to face a Red Sox rotation featuring a preponderance of left-handed pitchers.

In response to Judge's unavailability and the Red Sox's lefty-heavy pitching strategy, the Yankees have activated Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton, who had been sidelined since April 24 with his own injury, provides an extra right-handed bat aimed at neutralizing the Red Sox's southpaw arms. The pre-series roster decisions for both clubs underscored how each team envisioned addressing the matchup dynamics.

Adding to the Red Sox's left-handed arsenal, pitcher Garrett Crochet has been activated. Crochet had not pitched in the majors since April 25, but his inclusion brings the Red Sox's total of left-handed pitchers to six, further emphasizing their strategy against the Yankees.

The Yankees' challenge will be to leverage their own advantages, particularly their left-handed hitters, to compensate for the loss of Judge. The team must find a way to generate offense against a pitching staff designed to exploit their lineup construction, with Stanton's presence being a key factor in their offensive plans.


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