New York Daily News | Gary Phillips: Aaron Judge hit the batting cage Tuesday, marking his first hitting work since landing on the IL Sunday with a right flexor strain. Manager Aaron Boone reaffirmed that the Yankees’ plan is for the team’s captain to return after the minimum 10 days barring a setback. Judge would initially be used exclusively as a DH in the immediate aftermath upon activation, starting a throwing program a few days after coming off the IL if all goes according to plan.
MLB Trade
Rumors | Nick Deeds: With Thursday’s trade deadline fast approaching, the Yankees are among the suitors for Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Other teams in the mix for the two-time All-Star’s services include the Mets, Dodgers, Phillies, Rangers and Blue Jays. The 31-year-old, who’s set to hit free agency this offseason, is among the top relief options expected to be made available via trade. In 36 innings of work this season, Helsley has a 3.00 ERA while converting 21 saves in 26 opportunities.
MLB Trade Rumors | Darragh McDonald: In addition to bullpen help, Brian Cashman appears to be kicking the tires on several starting pitching options. Per The New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees GM has checked in on the Pirates’ Andrew Heaney, the Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore, and the Twins’ Joe Ryan. He expressed doubt about the likelihood of anything coming to fruition from those preliminary conversations, however. For Heaney, it would be a redux of the 2021 deadline, when Cashman acquired him from the Angels and the journeyman posted a 7.32 ERA in 35.2 innings.
SNY | John Flanigan: Luis Gil was sharp in what is expected to be his final rehab start Tuesday, punching out seven while allowing one run in 4.1 innings of work at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Gil threw 75 pitches, implying he’s stretched out to assume close to a full starter’s workload upon his return. Assuming he recovers well, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year is expected to make his season debut Sunday against the Marlins.
NJ.com | Randy Miller: Aaron Boone remembered his childhood hero Ryne Sandberg on Tuesday after the Hall of Fame second baseman died Monday of prostate cancer at age 65. “I had his Nike poster on my wall,” the Yankees manager recalled, also remembering the future Cub as a top Phillies prospect when his father, Bob, played for the team. “It’s sad day for our sport,” he continued. “It’s certainly a sad day especially for the Cubs and what he meant to that franchise.”
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- Aaron Judge heading to the IL with a flexor strain
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