Aaron Judge is expected to miss at least a month with a cracked rib, but the New York Yankees say they will not change their plans ahead of the August 3 trade deadline. The team, which stands at 38-26 and tied for first in the AL East, is 2-3 without its captain.
Judge sustained a stress fracture in his right first rib and will likely be out until after the All-Star break. He said Friday that the absence is disappointing because his role is to play. The Yankees have averaged 3.8 runs per game in his absence. General manager Brian Cashman said the club will rely on its current roster and internal options. He added that the injury is not expected to prompt additions at the deadline because the team anticipates Judge's return. Ben Rice has taken on a larger role and leads the team with 18 home runs. Cashman described Rice as fantastic and noted that the Yankees believe their rotation can keep them competitive. The team has explored in-house solutions at catcher and third base while monitoring the returns of players such as Jasson Dominguez.
