Yankees' Aaron Judge Diagnosed with Mild Hip Strain; Injured List Decision TBD

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has been diagnosed with a mild hip strain, manager Aaron Boone told reporters Saturday.

The Yankees intend to give Judge until Monday before making a decision about whether to place him on the injured list.

Judge exited Thursday's win over the Texas Rangers in the fourth inning with right hip discomfort and was replaced by Oswaldo Cabrera.

The 31-year-old did not play in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Rangers and will not suit up for the remainder of New York's series against Texas, which runs through Sunday. The Yankees begin a three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday.

An IL stint for Judge would be a tough blow for the Yankees, which entered Saturday's game slashing .230/.304/.391. That .230 batting average ranks 24th in the majors.

Additionally, the Bronx Bombers have been hit hard by injuries.

Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, third baseman Josh Donaldson, center fielder Harrison Bader and pitchers Carlos Rodón, Luis Severino, Frankie Montas, Jonathan Loáisiga, Lou Trivino and Tommy Kahnle are on the injured list, among others.

Judge is in the midst of another solid season, slashing .261/.352/.511 with six home runs, 14 RBI and two stolen bases in 26 games. With the reigning American League MVP out of the lineup, Cabrera figures to get playing time in right field. On Friday night, the Yankees optioned Franchy Cordero to Triple-A, and they signed Jake Bauers to a major league deal Saturday. Cabrera was in the lineup in right, while Bauers was in left.

The Yankees sit fourth in the AL East with a 15-12 record, seven games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays.