The New York Yankees face the Tampa Bay Rays in tonight’s crucial matchup, but they’ll have to do it without their MVP slugger Aaron Judge, who landed on the IL with a flexor strain. Spencer Jones, the hottest prospect in Triple-A, also remains unavailable due to back spasms, forcing the Yankees to reshuffle their outfield.
With Drew Rasmussen on the mound for the Rays, New York’s patchwork lineup will rely on recent acquisition Amed Rosario to provide spark. Fans can expect an intense AL East showdown as both teams fight for playoff positioning.
Tonight’s game offers a pivotal test for the Yankees’ depth, proving whether they can maintain their division lead without their iconic captain.
- Yankees face Rays without Aaron Judge, who is on the IL with a flexor strain, forcing Giancarlo Stanton to potentially cover outfield duties.
- Spencer Jones’ Triple-A hot streak was halted by back spasms, ruling him out as a short-term replacement despite his recent 13-homer explosion.
- The Yankees are surprisingly open to trading Jones, their top prospect, despite his impressive .400/.457/1.407 slash line at Triple-A.
- Drew Rasmussen takes the mound for the Rays as they look to exploit a Yankees lineup missing its MVP slugger.
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Rays vs Yankees Live Stream: Where to Watch Today’s Game Without Aaron Judge and Updates on Spencer Jones Injury
How bad is Aaron Judge’s injury really? Flexor strain timeline explained
The Yankees confirmed Aaron Judge’s right forearm flexor strain will sideline him for at least 10 days, sparing him from Tommy John surgery but creating a massive offensive void. Medical experts suggest mild flexor strains typically require 2-3 weeks recovery, though throwing may remain restricted longer. Judge first experienced discomfort during Tuesday’s Blue Jays game when a throw triggered visible pain.
Critical perspective: The Yankees’ cautious approach with Judge contrasts sharply with their 2023 handling of similar injuries.
Spencer Jones injury update: Why Yankees’ top prospect isn’t the answer
Despite crushing 13 homers in 19 Triple-A games, Spencer Jones won’t replace Judge due to back spasms that surfaced Friday. The 24-year-old lefty slugger was on a historic power tear but now joins a concerning pattern of Yankees prospects battling injuries during call-up windows.
Yankees’ prospect health curse continues
Since 2022, five Yankees top prospects have suffered injuries within two weeks of anticipated MLB debuts. Jones’ setback follows Domínguez’s 2024 oblique strain and Peraza’s recurring shoulder issues.
Who replaces Judge in Yankees lineup tonight? Unexpected roster moves
With Jones unavailable, the Yankees will slot Trent Grisham into center field while utilizing Giancarlo Stanton more in right. Utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera gets DH at-bats, creating defensive versatility but weakening the lineup’s middle-order threat.
| Position | Regular Starter | Tonight’s Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| RF | Aaron Judge | Giancarlo Stanton |
| CF | Jasson Domínguez | Trent Grisham |
Rays starting pitcher today: Why Drew Rasmussen owns Yankees
Tampa Bay’s Drew Rasmussen carries a 2.08 ERA in four career starts against New York, exploiting their aggressive approach with a lethal fastball/slider combo. Current Yankees hit just .197 collectively against him, with Stanton’s 0-for-12 standing out particularly.
Yankees’ Rasmussen problem by numbers
- Judge: 1-for-9, 5 Ks
- Stanton: 0-for-12, 7 Ks
- Torres: 2-for-11, .182 BA
Is Spencer Jones getting traded? Yankees’ shocking deadline dilemma
Rival executives confirm New York is surprisingly open to dealing Jones, whose recent tear boosted his trade value. With outfield depth featuring Judge, Bellinger, and Domínguez, the Yankees may capitalize on his hot streak to acquire pitching.
Where to watch Yankees vs Rays free? Sneaky streaming options
Tonight’s matchup won’t air on YES Network due to Amazon’s exclusive TNF rights. Cord-cutters can access the game through Prime Video’s 30-day free trial or via FuboTV’s MLB package. Local bars within 100 miles of Tampa are prohibited from showing the Amazon broadcast per MLB blackout rules.
Pro tip: International fans can watch through MLB.tv without blackout restrictions using a VPN set to Mexico or Canada.