Here’s a rewritten version of the content:
This is the article version of the CBS Sports HQ AM newsletter, your essential daily sports update. You can subscribe to have it delivered to your inbox each morning.
Happy Wednesday! Here’s your quick update on the key sports news you should know today.
🙌 Good morning, especially to…
Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees
Yankees fans can finally breathe easier. Star slugger Aaron Judge is set to return after spending at least 10 days on the injured list with a flexor strain. Tests showed his UCL is still in good shape, meaning he avoided serious interventions like Tommy John surgery. Although he hasn’t been out long, the early signs of his return are promising.
This news is especially a relief for the Yankees, who lost their last four games without Judge in the lineup. While he will definitely return to hitting, the tricky part is deciding where he will play defensively. The elbow injury doesn’t seem severe, but it would be wise to ease him back in as designated hitter (DH).
As Mike Axisa notes, the Yankees currently rely on Giancarlo Stanton as their DH, who has been hitting well but hasn’t played the field since mid-September 2023. It’s possible Stanton will shift to the outfield once Judge is fully back in action.
“Nonetheless, the Yankees have discussed moving Stanton to the outfield to keep his bat in the lineup while Judge gradually returns as DH,” Axisa added. Stanton is expected to play in the team’s upcoming home games starting Friday.
Judge, personally, hasn’t let the injury slow his pursuit of repeating as the American League MVP. He still leads all MLB players in WAR (Wins Above Replacement):
- Aaron Judge, Yankees: 7.1 WAR
- Cal Raleigh, Mariners: 6.4 WAR
- Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs: 5.7 WAR
- Pablo Skabal, Tigers: 5.7 WAR
- Bobby Witt Jr., Royals: 5.2 WAR
For everyone involved, this is a crisis well averted.
đź‘Ť Honorable Mention
Kate Rinklerk
Kate Rinklerk missed her eighth straight game Tuesday night as the Indiana Fever suffered a loss. Coach Stephanie White is taking a cautious approach, noting that while Rinklerk recently returned to the court, there is still no timetable for a full return due to multiple injuries this season, including quad and groin issues. Despite her limited play, Rinklerk is still posting solid stats, but her shooting percentages, particularly from three-point range on the road, have been poor.
Interestingly, Indiana has been on a hot streak without her, recently climbing to No. 3 in CBS Sports’ WNBA Power Rankings following five consecutive wins before Tuesday’s loss.
Micah Parsons’ Contract Drama Continues
Contract talks between Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys have intensified, especially after Parsons publicly expressed his frustration and trade request on social media last Friday. Since then, Parsons has not practiced or played in the team’s joint practice against the Rams on Tuesday. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed he hasn’t spoken to Parsons since the trade demand and isn’t sure the situation will be resolved before Week 1, meaning Parsons might miss the season opener against the Eagles.
Jones emphasized it’s largely Parsons’ decision whether he plays, indicating a tense and uncertain contract dispute.
NWSL Update: Trinity Rodman Sparks Washington Spirit’s Rise
Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman made a triumphant return to the field on August 3 after missing over four months with a back injury. Coming on as a second-half substitute against the Portland Thorns, she scored a stoppage-time winner, securing Washington’s third victory in five games. Her comeback has boosted the Spirit to No. 2 in the latest NWSL Power Rankings thanks to strong performances across a deep roster under new coach Adrian Gonzalez.
Washington’s next challenge is a Saturday matchup against Gotham FC, ranked 8th.
Why a Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Isn’t Happening—For Now
Speculation has swirled about a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade after the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to prioritize signing Myles Turner over Damian Lillard reportedly upset the superstar. However, as Sam Quinn explains, while nothing technically prevents Giannis from requesting a trade, the timing is off. Major trades are more feasible in June or early July because rosters are more flexible then; February is also a prime time for moves, but that’s still six months away. For now, the trade rumors remain just that—rumors with no imminent action expected.
What to Watch Wednesday
- Mets vs. Guardians at 1:10pm on MLB Network
- Tigers vs. Twins at 1:10pm on MLB Network
- vs. Cardinals at 4:10pm on MLB Network
- Braves vs. Brewers at 7:15pm on FS1
- Diamondbacks vs. Padres at 9:40pm on MLB Network
- Valkyries vs. Ace at 10pm on NBA TV
Fan Take: Aaron Judge’s return is a crucial boost for the Yankees and MLB fans alike, as his presence in the lineup can dramatically shift the balance of power in the American League. Seeing a star player bounce back from injury not only uplifts his team but also adds excitement and intensity to the sport’s postseason race.
