Stanton has slashed .270/.343/.532 with 10 homers since returning to the Yankees' lineup, so the team can hardly afford losing his bat as it looks to right the ship. At the same time, it can't afford more defensive miscues, and it isn't clear if Stanton can really handle a defensive role, pain tolerance notwithstanding.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Aaron Judge is back, which means Giancarlo Stanton is not. The Yankees activated Judge off the 10-day injured list Tuesday and slotted him into their lineup against the Rangers as the designated hitter — a role he will fill until he is cleared to play right field again as he works back from his right elbow flexor strain.