Aaron Judge’s return to the Yankees lineup on Tuesday after a stint on the IL means someone will be coming off the 26-man roster.
A roster technicality related to Franchy Cordero’s roster spot prevented Judge coming back Monday return from a hip strain, so the Yankees got an extra day to figure out who will be shed to bring the reigning MVP back aboard.
The Yankees did option lefty Nick Ramirez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after beating the A’s on Monday, but that doesn’t man another move can’t be made.
Here are five players who could be impacted by joining the injured list, being optioned to the minors or being designated for assignment.
Oswald Peraza
The top prospect hasn’t played since rolling his ankle on Wednesday. Even before the injury, he wasn’t getting everyday at-bats despite showing versatility to play shortstop, second base and third base. He could be put on the injured list or sent to Triple-A.
“He’s moving pretty well,” Boone said. “[Sunday] I had him [available] in a hitting situation only. He’s been day-to-day, but we also don’t want to jeopardize him at all or put him in a bad spot.”
Aaron Hicks
It seems the switch hitter has found a niche starting against left-handed pitchers, as he did Monday for the fourth time in a week’s span. And yet he hit his first home run off the season Monday off a right-handed reliever. It was his second extra-base hit in as many days.
Hicks’ seven-year, $70 million contract runs through 2025, so cutting him feels like it will be delayed as long as possible.
“This is just the situation I’m in right now,” Hicks told The Post. “I want to help this team win. I want a bigger role, but at the same time I have to earn it. I have to take advantage of the opportunities I have, especially with runners in scoring position. I feel good from both sides of the plate, but it’s time to start producing.”
Oswaldo Cabrera
he Opening Day left fielder is still hitting just .204 after clubbing a two-run home run (No. 2 on the season) and has minor league options remaining, but he offers valuable infield/outfield versatility
Willie Calhoun
A limited fielder, he entered Monday hitting .323 with two home runs and only three strikeouts since April 25. That bat could keep him safe until a healthy Giancarlo Stanton needs to DH.
Jake Bauers
An ability to play both corner-outfield spots is nice. One hit (a home run) in 10 at-bats is not. He is out of minor league options.
