George Lombard Jr.’s promising rookie season took a hit when he exited the Yankees’ 9-2 win over the Red Sox on Saturday with a right knee injury. The 21-year-old shortstop, who had been a key part of New York’s lineup since his August 4 promotion, left the game in the fourth inning after grimacing during an at-bat. Manager Aaron Boone described the situation as a day-to-day situation
following imaging, though the Yankees’ medical team remains cautious. Lombard, who has batted .253/.310/.367 with two home runs in 23 games, faces an uncertain timeline as he battles both physical and defensive challenges.
Lombard’s Injury Raises Questions About Yankees’ Shortstop Plans
Lombard’s injury occurred during a second-inning at-bat against Brayan Bello, when his spikes appeared to catch in the dirt as he attempted to stop his swing. Despite lingering discomfort, he remained in the game long enough to record a single before being replaced by José Caballero. The good thing about George is, he’s so skilled and gifted out there, and foundationally he’s really good, too,
Boone said, per MLB.com.
Caballero, who filled in for Lombard, expressed relief that the injury appeared minor. It’s great news, because he’s been playing really well,
Caballero said. The Yankees, currently 77-59 and nine games ahead in a Wild Card spot, have yet to confirm whether Lombard will require a rehab assignment. His absence could force further rotation among infielders, including Amed Rosario, who took over at third base during the game.
Judge’s IL Return Looms as Yankees’ Offense Stumbles
Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ three-time AL MVP, remains on the shelf with a stress fracture in his rib sustained on June 2. While the team has not finalized a timeline for his return, reports suggest he could come off the IL during the club’s Sept. 8-13 homestand. If activated, Judge would have at least a couple of weeks to prepare for the postseason, though his recent struggles at the plate have raised questions.
The Yankees’ offense has faltered in Judge’s absence, exemplified by a 1-0 loss to the Athletics on Thursday—the A’s first such win over New York since April 25, 1979, and the first at the Yankees since July 14, 1972, per MLB.com’s Sarah Langs. Judge’s teammates, including Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger, have also struggled, with all three going hitless in that game.
McMahon’s Hitting Slump Draws Attention, but Judge Offers Encouragement
Third baseman Ryan McMahon has become a focal point of concern after hitting .077/.273/.077 through his first 29 at-bats of the season. The 10-year big-league career veteran, acquired at last year’s trade deadline, has yet to record an extra-base hit in this season. His struggles have drawn commentary from within the organization, with SNY’s Chelsea Janes noting that early this season, he has struggled to provide even his usual levels of production.
Despite the slump, Judge has taken an active role in mentoring McMahon. During a recent batting practice session, Judge observed McMahon’s swing for 20 to 30 minutes, demonstrating his own mechanics and offering advice. You have great power to all fields,
Judge told McMahon, per Janes. The message, while encouraging, highlights the gap between McMahon’s current performance and his past production.
Rehab Assignments and Postseason Implications
Meanwhile, right-hander Clarke Schmidt and third baseman Ryan McMahon began rehab assignments with Double-A Somerset on Saturday. Schmidt, recovering from June 2025 Tommy John surgery, threw 20 pitches in his first appearance, while McMahon, nursing a sprained left thumb, went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts. Both players are expected to rejoin the Yankees in the next couple of days, though their readiness for the postseason remains uncertain.
The Yankees’ medical updates underscore the challenges of balancing short-term needs with long-term goals. With the postseason looming, manager Aaron Boone faces tough decisions about when to activate injured players and how to manage the roster. Lombard’s injury, Judge’s return, and McMahon’s slump all add layers of complexity to a season that has seen both promise and setbacks.
What Comes Next for the Yankees?
The Yankees’ next moves will depend on medical updates and performance. If Judge returns in September, his presence could revitalize the offense, but his recent struggles suggest he’ll need time to regain his form. For Lombard, the focus remains on recovery and consistency, while McMahon’s ability to adapt to his new role will be critical. As the team navigates these uncertainties, the pressure to perform in the postseason will only grow.
