MINNEAPOLIS — Aaron Judge didn’t take a gigantic step Wednesday, but the Yankees right fielder hit in a regular batting-practice group as opposed to participating in early hitting. It was the first time Judge hit with teammates since he went on the DL in late July with a fractured right wrist.
Earlier in the day, Judge took fly balls and ground balls.
Manager Aaron Boone said Judge won’t join Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on a rehab assignment with the RailRiders, who are in the International League finals against Durham. Instead, Judge could head to Tampa to get some simulated game at-bats at the Yankees’ minor league complex.
“We are not there on deciding exactly when or where as far what the best way is to get some at-bats,’’ Boone said before the Yankees’ 3-1 loss t the Twins.
Brett Gardner wasn’t in the lineup for the second straight game because of a leg problem that surfaced Monday night, when he made a diving catch in left field.
Brett Gardner hurt his leg while making a diving catch on Monday.AP“I think he will be available today,” Boone said. “He had pretty good swelling in there [Tuesday]. He feels a lot better today, a lot of that swelling is out and hoping he is an option for us today.
“Especially hoping he should be good to go on Friday.’’
Following the game, Gardner said he could have played and will be ready Friday.
With Giancarlo Stanton going from the DH slot to left field, Boone inserted Luke Voit at DH and started Greg Bird at first base.
It was Bird’s second start in the past 12 games. His eighth-inning double, the Yankees’ first hit of the game, drove in Voit for their only run.
The Yankees elevated right-hander Chance Adams from Triple-A to provide coverage in the bullpen after Sonny Gray was used for three innings, Jonathan Loaisiga for 47 pitches and Tommy Kahnle for two innings and 28 pitches on Tuesday night. Adams was not needed.
