The New york yankees have been facing a series of challenges recently, both on and off the field. With key players sidelined due to injuries and game schedules disrupted by weather, the team is navigating a complex situation as they strive to maintain their position in the American League East.
The Yankees’ game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, originally scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, was postponed due to sustained inclement weather. The game was rescheduled as the first part of a split-admission doubleheader on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 12:35 P.M. This rescheduling comes after a 2-1 loss to the Dodgers on Friday, adding to the team’s recent struggles.
Injury Updates: Carlos Rodón and Aaron Judge
The Yankees have been without their ace pitcher, Carlos Rodón since June 28, 2026, due to left elbow inflammation. The team announced that Rodón threw 10 pitches from a mound on Thursday, indicating some progress in his recovery. Rodón, who is earning $27 million this year, has a significant contract with the Yankees, with $54 million still owed to him after this season.
Rodón, a three-time MLB All-Star, has been a crucial part of the Yankees’ pitching rotation. With a 4-2 record and a 3.30 ERA in nine starts this year, his absence has been keenly felt. The 33-year-old pitcher was drafted in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft and has spent his career with the Chicago white Sox, San Francisco Giants, and now the Yankees. Over 240 career games, he has maintained a 97-74 record with a 3.72 ERA.
Aaron Judge’s Injury and Recovery
Another significant blow to the Yankees has been the injury to their superstar slugger, Aaron Judge. Judge has been on the injured list since June 5, 2026, with a stress fracture of the first rib on his right side. Recent imaging showed some healing, but not enough for Judge to resume baseball activities. The team is hopeful that he will return this season, but a definitive timetable remains uncertain.
Judge spoke to the media, revealing that while there is some progress, he is not fully healed and will need a few more weeks before he can even begin baseball activities. This means Judge is likely out for another month, which is a disappointing update for the Yankees and their fans. Judge is hitting.248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs this season, making his absence a significant setback for the team’s offense.
Team Performance and Future Outlook
The Yankees come into Sunday’s game as the second-place team in the American League East with a 54-43 record in 97 games. They have gone 5-5 over their last ten games and are 23-21 in 44 games at home. Currently, the Yankees are 2.0 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for first place. Following Sunday’s games, they will host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday.
Despite the injuries, the Yankees are hopeful for a strong performance in the upcoming games. Cody Bellinger, a key player for the Yankees, expressed excitement for the matchup against the Dodgers, stating, “It’s the best team with the best record in the big leagues, so we’re going to have to come out ready.” The Yankees will start Gerrit Cole, Ryan Weathers, and Cam Schlittler in the series against the Dodgers.
The Yankees’ management remains optimistic about Judge’s return this season. General Manager Brian Cashman said, “I don’t think we’re anticipating it’s coming back clean. I think we’re anticipating and hopeful that it’s showing the healing process.” The team believes that the time frame for Judge’s healing should allow him to return this season, but they are waiting for further imaging to confirm his progress.
As the Yankees continue to navigate through these challenges, their resilience and determination will be tested. With key players like Rodón and Judge on the mend, the team is focused on maintaining their competitive edge and striving for success in the remainder of the season.
