Is the Judge injury worth panic?

With a player as talented as Aaron Judge on your team, there's clear expectations that you are going to make the playoffs and contend for a World Series.  With those expectations the team is constantly making moves to fill the holes around their star player to be the most complete team.  The upcoming trade deadline is a prime opportunity for the Yankees to add a couple more key pieces that makes this team a true contender.  With Judge's ability to play the outfield in question, this deadline just got much more complicated for the Bronx Bombers.

The injury itself, suffered against the Blue Jays on July 22nd, was diagnosed as a right flexor strain and he was promptly placed on the 10 day injured list.  It appears the hope is Judge can begin throwing again in 10 to 14 days and eventually move his way back to the outfield.  As of right now he can't even throw 60 feet, and while he has played first base in high school and some spring training practices, Aaron Boone has shut down the possibility of a move to first base this season.  The most likely place for Judge to fit now is the DH spot, but that poses a completely different question.... Where does Giancarlo Stanton play?

Aaron Boone has said Giancarlo is going to take reps in the outfield in the event Bellinger, Grisham, or Dominguez have a rest day.  Stanton hasn't played in the outfield since the 2023 season, when he started 31 games in left and 2 in right.  Naturally Stanton's role as the every day DH impacted their decision to place Judge on the IL, opting to try and heal the forearm strain in hopes he'll be able to return to the outfield this season.

Bryce Harper notably had Tommy John surgery in November of 2022 and returned to the Phillies lineup historically fast in May 2023.  Since then he's made the position change to first base full time and has flourished.  Aaron Judge if he can't return to the field this season may follow a similar path.

One thing is certain, the Yankees are not shutting Judge down this year and could operate with him as the every day DH until the season ends, but that will not change their plans to compete for a world series this season.  Expect the trade deadline to go accordingly for Cashman and the Yanks.