Yankees Eyeing Returns for Chisholm Jr. and Grisham Amidst Judge's Injury

The New York Yankees are hopeful for the return of key players Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Trent Grisham in the coming week, even as outfielder Aaron Judge has been placed on the injured list. Manager Aaron Boone stated Friday that Chisholm Jr. is nearing activation and should be ready for the upcoming homestand beginning Tuesday. Chisholm Jr. was placed on the IL last week with a sprained right thumb and has since resumed hitting for four consecutive days and throwing.

"He’s getting very close," Boone said. "[He] has also been throwing the last couple of days."

Trent Grisham is also making progress in his recovery from a right hamstring strain. Boone indicated that Grisham is well into his running progression and is on track to return before the end of the regular season. Grisham's potential return raises questions about playing time, particularly in center field against right-handed pitchers, potentially shifting Spencer Jones to right field.

Meanwhile, pitcher Ryan Weathers, who is recovering from a left forearm flexor strain, is considered unlikely to pitch in a game before the season concludes. Weathers is scheduled to throw his second bullpen session Saturday, after which he may advance to facing hitters in live batting practice. It remains uncertain if this timeline will provide enough opportunity for him to be considered for the postseason bullpen.

"We’ll see what our needs are and how he looks and if we feel like he’s ready to come in and be a contributor," Boone commented on Weathers' potential playoff inclusion.

In other roster news, Anthony Volpe, who has been filling in at second base, has performed well since his call-up from Triple-A as an injury replacement for Chisholm. He posted a .348 batting average with a .965 OPS and four stolen bases in his first seven games. Volpe went 0-for-4 in the Yankees' 9-2 victory over the Diamondbacks on Friday.