PHOENIX — The New York Yankees are facing renewed injury challenges as both Aaron Judge and rookie outfielder Spencer Jones were sidelined during their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Judge was placed on the injured list Saturday with a right calf strain, while Jones missed the lineup due to a sore left heel.

Jones attributed the discomfort to accumulated wear from playing on Chase Field’s artificial turf and a recent heel jam sustained earlier in Minnesota. Despite describing the injury as “no big deal,” he was ultimately held out of the starting lineup in Saturday’s 5-3 loss. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the decision as precautionary, noting Jones was available off the bench but was replaced in center field by José Caballero, who started his second game of the season there. Boone also explained opting to keep Cody Bellinger in left field, citing Bellinger’s ongoing efforts and the physical demands of playing on turf.

Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ star slugger and reigning American League MVP candidate, remains sidelined with the calf strain affecting his soleus muscle, located in the lower calf area vital for running and hitting. This injury compounds Judge’s recent absence due to a broken rib, raising concerns about the team's postseason prospects. Both Judge and Boone declined to provide a timetable for his return, reflecting the team’s cautious approach and limited information released regarding the severity of the strain. Judge described his current status as uncertain and emphasized he would do everything possible to recover in time.

Boone highlighted the team’s resilience despite losing key players, noting the Yankees compiled a 46-39 record during Judge’s previous absence. While admitting that losing their best hitter presents a substantial hurdle, Boone expressed cautious optimism that the team’s offense has started to regain momentum. Still, he acknowledged that scoring without Judge will present ongoing challenges.

The pitching staff remains a strength amid the injury setbacks, led by Cy Young contender Cam Schlittler, who delivered six innings of one-run ball on Saturday, lowering his ERA to 1.94. Schlittler’s success is anchored in his versatile fastball repertoire and an approach Boone described as a blend of “maturity and immaturity,” balancing game intelligence with a relaxed mindset. Additionally, pitchers Max Fried and Carlos Rodón have shown improved form, with Rodón rediscovering his slider, while Gerrit Cole appears to be progressing after recent struggles.

Saturday’s game also offered a reunion with former Yankees reliever Jonathan Loáisiga, now pitching for the Diamondbacks. Loáisiga has maintained health throughout the season and appeared in a career-high 64 games with a 2.32 ERA entering the night.

With the regular season winding down, the Yankees confront significant uncertainty about Judge’s availability. While the team has demonstrated depth and perseverance through injuries this year, replacing a player of Judge’s caliber remains a daunting task as the postseason approaches.