Once the Boston Red Sox were out of town, the Yankees’ signature trait – launching home runs – resumed against the last place Washington Nationals.
In a nine-run third inning on Wednesday afternoon, the Yankees more than doubled their scoring output in three losses to Boston before salvaging their series finale last Sunday.
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“To get tripped up there for a few days against our rival and really right this ship, and doing it in a profound way is nice,’’ said Yanks manager Aaron Boone, after Wednesday’s 11-2 win completed a three-game sweep of Washington.
Still, “we’ve got to get a few more guys going,’’ said Boone, adding “we’ve got more to do.’’
Here are a few things to watch as the Yankees move into the September stretch drive:
The Anthony Volpe Saga
Aug 24, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) fields a ground ball hit by third baseman Alex Bregman (2) and throws to first for an out during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Naturally, during the Yankees’ 15-batter, nine-run marathon inning Wednesday, the embattled Volpe was the one Yankee to make two outs.
Volpe dragged a 1-for-37 slide into a four-game set Thursday at Chicago, which to be fair included a few hot liners and deep drives.
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But the overall picture is a shortstop who is uncertain at times in the field, lost at the plate – chasing pitches out of the zone – and increasingly booed in his home ballpark.
Volpe: Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone says ‘I view Anthony Volpe as our shortstop’
These days, the Yankees have a legitimate shortstop alternative in Jose Caballero, who also leads the AL in stolen bases.
Boone recently kept Volpe out of the starting lineup for two straight games.
From here, it’s not a big leap that Volpe’s starts become a day-to-day proposition – as it has for Jasson Dominguez and Austin Wells.
When is Aaron Judge going to play right field?
Aug 27, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Exactly when Aaron Judge might resume playing right field has become the great mystery of Yankees Universe.
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Maybe it happens on the Yankees’ next home stand. Maybe he’s a part-time right fielder until postseason. Maybe it doesn’t happen until 2026 – it’s all still a guess.
It’s been nearly four weeks since Judge returned from the 10-day injury list due to a right flexor strain, and that’s put a strain on Boone’s lineup decisions.
Through Wednesday, the red-hot Giancarlo Stanton made nine right field starts (in his 13 total games) since Aug. 9, and batted .472 with seven homers, 18 RBI and a 1.675 OPS.
“You’re seeing him control the zone like he never has before,’’ said Boone, watching Stanton’s at-bats go “to another level’’ as a product of “his mental game now and his experience really paying off.’’
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In the best of times, into his 30s, Stanton needs built-in rest days to max out his performance.
And as much as he’s enjoyed being an outfielder at times, the Yanks are severely weakened by his defensive presence, and the injury risk factor is always present.
Sooner or later, the Yankees need to restore their order with even a throwing-compromised Judge in right and Stanton at DH.
Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh and the AL MVP race
Aug 17, 2025; Williamsport, Pennsylvania, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) hits a two-run home run against the New York Mets in the seventh inning at Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Over his first 103 games, Judge appeared to be sailing to his second straight AL MVP award.
Through July 25, the Yankees’ captain was batting .342 with 37 homers, 85 RBI and a 1.160 OPS, and then he was diagnosed with the right flexor strain.
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In his first 20 games since coming off the IL, Judge batted .217 with four homers and 10 Rbi, with an .821 OPS, while Seattle’s Cal Raleigh has strengthened his MVP case.
The switch-hitting Raleigh has reached 50 home runs, the first primary catcher to do so, as his club battles the Houston Astros for the AL West title.
Judge says the flexor issue doesn’t affect his swing, but he’s been a different hitter since the injury.
If Raleigh keeps up his power pace, and with the advantage of playing a premium position, it might take a Player-of-the-Month type September for Judge to swing back MVP momentum.
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Cam Schlittler’s place in a postseason rotation
Aug 25, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) pitches in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
After his last two scoreless starts, Cam Schlittler has put himself firmly into a postseason rotation mix.
Maybe it’s too small of a sample size to press Schlittler into a potential Game 2 start between veteran lefties Max Fried and Carlos Rodon, but the rookie right-hander has been that impressive.
Schlittler should have about six more starts to make his case for placement in a playoff rotation, as he becomes more comfortable challenging big-league hitters with a fastball that reaches 100-mph.
But the league will be paying close attention.
This will become a critical time to see how hitters adjust, and how advanced scouting reports force Schlittler to adjust back, particularly when it comes to the use of his secondary pitches.
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Schlittler seems up for the challenge.
“I think I’ve always been confident,’’ said Schlittler, and “just being able to see the results and getting the confidence from the guys in this room…makes it a lot easier to go out and do my job.’’
Yankees’ soft September schedule
Jul 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) watches batting practice before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
If they’re going to repeat as AL champs, the Yankees must reverse their 2025 trend of playing at a mediocre level against good opponents.
But despite having four straight series left against the Astros, Blue Jays, Tigers and Red Sox, these Yanks are in good position to navigate through September.
Including this weekend at the Chicago White Sox, the Yankees have five remaining series left against teams with losing records.
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That’s two series with the White Sox and Baltimore Orioles – including the final six games of the year, all at Yankee Stadium – and a series at the Minnesota Twins, the Yanks’ favorite punching bag.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yankees schedule 2025: What to watch for in September