Yankees Announce George Lombard Jr. News on Sunday

The New York Yankees received encouraging news Sunday on rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. ahead of their series finale against the Boston Red Sox.

Imaging on Lombard’s right knee showed no structural damage, manager Aaron Boone said. The 21-year-old remains day-to-day.

Lombard left Saturday’s game early after feeling discomfort in the knee. The issue arose in the second inning when he checked his swing on an inside pitch from Red Sox starter Brayan Bello.

He grimaced and grabbed the knee immediately. Boone and athletic trainer Tim Lentych came out to check on him.

Lombard stayed in the game and singled on the next pitch. He later lined out in the third inning before the team removed him ahead of the fourth.

Jose Caballero moved from third base to shortstop, and Amed Rosario entered at third. The Yankees went on to win 9-2.

Lombard underwent imaging Saturday night at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Boone initially described the situation as day-to-day while the team confirmed the results.

On Sunday, Boone provided the clearer update.

“Looks like a day-to-day situation,” Boone said. The follow-up confirmed the positive results with no structural damage.

Lombard made his major league debut on Aug. 4 and quickly made history. He became the first Yankees shortstop to hit a home run in his debut game.

The organization’s top prospect has started every game at shortstop since his call-up. Through 23 games and 87 plate appearances, he is hitting .253 with a .310 on-base percentage, .367 slugging percentage, two home runs, six RBIs and one stolen base.

His early offense showed promise, though he has cooled somewhat after a strong start. Defensively, he has dealt with a stretch of errors in recent weeks, yet the club has continued to back the young player as he adjusts to the big leagues.

The timing of the knee issue is notable as the Yankees push through the final stretch of the regular season. Lombard’s ability to stay available could prove important for a team looking to solidify its infield.

In a separate update, Boone said Aaron Judge will travel with the club on its upcoming West Coast trip. The Yankees captain will take part in expanded pregame work, including facing live pitching velocity.

Judge has been sidelined since May 31 with a right rib injury. He has progressed through pool sessions, outdoor running, tee work, soft toss and recent overhand batting practice in the cage.

Boone ruled out using Judge solely as a designated hitter upon his return. The club already rotates Luis Garcia Jr., Paul Goldschmidt and Ben Rice in that role. Judge intends to return in right field.

The star outfielder prefers to skip a minor league rehab assignment and rejoin the majors directly, citing his past injury experiences. No firm timetable has been set, though some speculation has centered on a possible mid-September return.

For now, the focus remains on Lombard’s knee and whether the day-to-day designation allows him back in the lineup soon. The Yankees will monitor him closely as they close out the Red Sox series and prepare for the road trip ahead.