The operative phrase there from Boone is “just in case.” The Yankees already have four outfielders on their active roster — four quality outfielders — and on most days, either Cody Bellinger, Jasson Domínguez or Grisham needs to be out of the lineup because of that surplus.

Aaron Judge is coming off his worst series of a season in which he has flirted with a .400 average, but the New York Yankees are not concerned.

This hasn't been the baseball season Gerrit Cole would've drawn up for himself. The New York Yankees' right-handed ace won't throw a single inning all year. He tore his UCL and is out for the season after spring Tommy John surgery.

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However, with J. C. Escarra, that’s another decision the Yankees have to make. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Escarra will remain on the roster as a traditional backup for the Yankees, allowing Rice to be a designated hitter while they figure things out.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed Giancarlo Stanton's return, targeting next week's series against the Los Angeles Angels.

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The New York Yankees and host Kansas City Royals meet in the Thursday finale of a 3-game set at Kauffman Stadium.