Earlier this week, Aaron Boone said that Aaron Judge ’s return to right field could pop up “out of the blue.”

Lo and behold, the letters “RF” were written next to Judge’s name without prior warning when the Yankees unveiled their Friday night lineup for a highly-anticipated series-opener against the Blue Jays. Judge last played defense on July 25, as he had been restricted to DH duties since returning from a right flexor strain on Aug. 5.

Judge had simultaneously been slowly working through a throwing program since coming off the injured list.

“I’m excited to get him back out there,” Boone said Friday, noting Judge restores some athleticism to the Yankees’ outfield. “Hopefully it goes well and he continues to build up as we go.

“Hopefully it’s something that brings us a spark.”

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