Aaron Judge appeared to take another step toward returning to the outfield when he spent time before Sunday night's finale of the four-game series against the Red Sox in the Stadium outfield making throws to bases.

"Watching the way this team has been playing lately, predictable would also apply." Adding to the concerns after the game was a harsh update from Yankees captain Aaron Judge, who is recovering from an elbow injury and has been limited to a designated hitter role since returning from the injured list.

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe was benched Sunday night for the finale of a critical four-game series against the rival Boston Red Sox.

The Yankees (69-60) may also be getting desperate. They have lost eight of nine games this season against the Red Sox (71-59), who hold the top wild-card spot over them by two games. The Yankees hold the second wild-card position.