New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has been mentally tooling with his roster and revealed that Aaron Judge may see a little time in left field this season.
The thought behind the possible move is to be able to play Giancarlo Stanton in right field and free up the DH spot for someone else.
The wheels behind this possible plan are certainly greased by the fact that Aaron Hicks has been such a disaster and can’t be counted on.
The fragile and injury-prone Stanton enjoys playing the outfield and doesn’t want to always be relegated to DH, where he feels less-engaged in the game.
Captain Aaron Judge made it clear he was flexible and happy to help any way he can…
“I did mention it to (Boone), if we need to get Big G in right field at Yankee Stadium, put me in left,” Judge said. “I don’t mind it. I don’t mind switching around so we can have (Harrison) Bader, me, and Big G out there. So, we’ll get some reps in spring training and get comfortable out there.”
In addition, Boone believes that playing Stanton in the outfield will actually keep him healthy…
“I am of the belief that (Stanton) playing in the outfield is good for his game. But I also think it’s good for his health. Playing the field, when healthy, gives him a better shot at staying healthy.”
The baseball world reacted to the interesting possible tactic by Boone…
Finally! I’ve been begging for this ever since Stanton arrived. Judge can play any OF spot. Honestly Stanton can too, they just don’t want him covering as much ground. To me it’s always been simple: play Judge in the bigger outfield. LF at the Stadium, RF Fenway, LF Camden, etc.
— Boo(ne) (@csbal13) February 20, 2023
Aaron Judge just said that he told the #Yankees “If we need to get Big D in RF at Yankee Stadium, I don’t mind it.” Said that despite not playing LF since college he’d be fine taking a few reps.
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) February 21, 2023
I am all for Stanton playing more in the Outfield. Definitely opens up the DH slot and Stanton muscles wont tighten up as much. We really need him to stay healthy for a full season. If we don't sign Profar I would call the A'S and ask about Laureano
— Nicholas J Colantino (@dibbsjr63) February 21, 2023
His injuries with the Yankees really haven’t been caused by the outfield play at all. Right field in yankee stadium is arguably the easiest in the game to play….least ground to cover. They need lemeheu in there as much as possible. This gives them their strongest lineup.
— Doctorate in human behavior (@Therealdavedfs1) February 21, 2023
Aaron Judge has never played left field in his life😬
(via. SNY)#RepBX #Yankees #NewYork #MLB pic.twitter.com/OWLiqavSFm
— Sportskeeda Baseball (@sportskeeda_mlb) February 21, 2023
He will be injured in A few weeks, these big guys play hard and the body gets injured
— Frank (@frankleybeans) February 22, 2023
giancarlo stanton pic.twitter.com/gTo2TzPod1
— iv 🥷🏻 (@geekednblssed) February 21, 2023