Two-time MVP Aaron Judge returns to the outfield as the New York Yankees begin a pivotal series against the Toronto Blue Jays. He’s making his first start in right field since being diagnosed with a flexor strain on July 26. That sent Judge to the injured list for a minimal 10 days. He spent the next month as a full-time designated hitter because the forearm issue made it difficult for him to throw.

The Yankees' plan for Aaron Judge

The Yankees will ease Judge back to action. Manager Aaron Boone told reporters that the two-time MVP will not play defense every day. Boone suggested Judge will divide right field playing time with Giancarlo Stanton. They’ll happily take whatever opportunities they can to keep Stanton out of the outfield. He’s in the DH spot tonight against Kevin Gausman.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. said he'd been treating his knees since he came out of the game and that he wants to play tomorrow.

Said Yankees had tests done of them and that they checked out OK.

This is the most important series of the season for the Yankees

The Jays have a three-game cushion in the AL East. The Yankees are half a game up on the Red Sox for second place and the American League’s top wild-card position. All three teams have very strong odds of making the postseason. They’re all in play for the division, which would likely come with a first-round bye. Toronto, New York and Boston each have a better record than the AL West-leading Astros, so the East winner should secure one of the top two seeds. The Jays are a half-game ahead of the Tigers for the best record in the American League.