NEW YORK – Lost in the Yankees’ 8-3 win Sunday over Toronto was another solid performance by their bullpen.
Paul Blackburn delivered two drama-free scoreless innings after Carlos Rodon’s four-inning start, and Brent Headrick – one of the game’s most reliable setup relievers – registered the final four outs.
Since June 3, a period of 70 games, the Yankees’ bullpen owns an MLB-best 2.44 ERA.
Winners of six of their last seven games, the Yankees begin an interesting week at home, with a few key things to watch.
Aaron Judge's rehab progression
It’s not clear exactly when Aaron Judge might resume hitting on the field, but that seems to be the next step toward his recovery from a first right rib fracture.
On Sunday, Judge continued hitting off a tee, per manager Aaron Boone.
Judge has also been running, increasing his work in the weight room and is “responding well’’ at each point, per Boone.
“The biggest thing for him is kind of building up the body to get back into playing shape,’’ said Boone. “He wasn’t allowed to do much for that first month especially.
“It’s more about him getting the body up to speed as much as anything,’’ said Boone, who remains confident that the Yanks’ slugging captain will return in 2026.
Astros and Red Sox visit Yankee Stadium
This 10-game homestand continues against two AL contenders.
Starting Tuesday night, the Houston Astros – tied with the Texas Rangers atop the AL West – arrive for a three-game set.
Houston has lost three of its last four games, including dropping a home series against the last-place Athletics this past weekend.
In their last series, in late April, the Yanks took two of three from Houston (65-66), which has since rallied in a bad division.
Of course, the Red Sox’s revival began with a four-game sweep of the Yanks at Fenway Park.
Boston (71-59) has posted a 39-13 record since June 25, positioned in the AL’s second wild card spot, three games behind the Yanks (74-56).
Saturday is a scheduled day-night doubleheader, a makeup of a June 6 rainout at Yankee Stadium.
Elmer Rodriguez enters starting pitching discussion
As of Monday, the Yankees had listed Will Warren as Tuesday’s starter and TBA on Wednesday night.
Right-hander Brendan Beck was called up as lefty Ryan Weathers was placed on the 15-day injury list Sunday due to a flexor strain.
Boone was non-committal about his rotation Sunday, but he mentioned that Elmer Rodriguez “could factor in’’ at some point.
In four Yankees starts this year, Rodriguez has posted a 4.76 ERA. He has a 2.59 ERA in 19 starts at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season.
By his performance, Rodriguez has “earned the opportunity to be in the conversation.’’
Clarke Schmidt nears rehab assignment
Rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and a recent forearm cramp, right-hander Clarke Schmidt is scheduled to throw to live batters Tuesday.
If that goes well, Boone said the plan is for Schmidt to begin a minor league rehab assignment.
Aiming for activation sometime in September, Schmidt’s 2026 Yankees role could be as a multi-inning reliever.
That’s also a potential Bronx route for Luis Gil, having rehabbed from shoulder inflammation earlier this year and currently pitching at Triple-A.
Spencer Jones could see expanded role
Boone’s club has faced a steady diet of right-handed opposing starters, and that trend will continue at least through the Astros series.
Cody Bellinger’s activation off the IL Sunday (strained hamstring) and Spencer Jones’ presence mostly impacts right-handed hitting Heliot Ramos.
Boone said there was “a good chance’’ that Ramos would be platooned with the lefty-hitting Jones in right field, a position Ramos says he’s comfortable playing.
But Jones is a far superior defender, and he’s been hitting lefties (1.164 OPS, 30 plate appearances) in a limited sample.
Overall, Bellinger has been impressed with Jones’ development in his rookie season.
“Feel like he’s controlling his at-bats really well,’’ said Bellinger. “Obviously, the power is there, but he really does work a lot of good at-bats.
“He understands what he wants to do with his plan, with is mechanics. He’s a freak athlete, great defender, and he’s been doing really well right now.’’
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Aaron Judge progressing as Yankees prepare for next rehab milestone