Remember the good old days of … late March?The New York Yankees had just finished spring training without a major injury to a key player for the first time in what felt like forever. Aaron Judge was primed to carry the offense. The double tennis elbow that had plagued Giancarlo Stanton in 2025 seemed under control. The starting rotation was healthy and impressive, and awaiting the return of ace Gerrit Cole.These days? It feels like owner Hal Steinbrenner should consider installing a triage tent in the clubhouse.But, slowly, the Yankees appear to be getting closer to full strength.This week, doctors cleared Judge (first right rib stress fracture) to ramp up workouts, Stanton (right calf strain) was seen running in the outfield and left fielder Cody Bellinger (left hamstring strain) took swings on the field. On Saturday, Carlos Rodón (left elbow inflammation) will make a rehab start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and could return in the next week or two. Other Yankees are working their way back, too.Can George Lombard Jr. spark the Yankees' season?Brendan Kuty and Johnny SweetSo, how would the roster work if everyone was healthy? Maybe that’s wishful thinking for the Yankees and their fans, but it’s worth considering.Here are two of the biggest questions a healthy Yankees roster would face:How will Giancarlo Stanton fit?Stanton hasn’t played since April 24. Since then:• Ben Rice has established himself as one of the best overall hitters in the majors with a 151 wRC+ — tied for eighth-best in the game. He has done damage against righties (166 wRC+) and lefties (122 wRC+).• Paul Goldschmidt has pummeled left-handed pitching (178 wRC+, 126 at-bats) and been terrible versus righties (58 wRC+, 170 at-bats).
Yankees face roster questions when Giancarlo Stanton, Carlos Rodón return from injuries
How would the roster work if everyone was healthy? Maybe that's wishful thinking for the Yankees and their fans, but it's worth considering.









