Sanchez, Didi nearing return to Yankees

NEW YORK -- The Yankees' lineup could receive some long-awaited reinforcements over the next several weeks. Catcher Gary Sánchez is expected to be activated this weekend, with shortstop Didi Gregorius soon to follow, while Clint Frazier has resumed playing in Minor League games.
Yanks manager Aaron Boone said Sanchez could join the club on Saturday against the Tigers, having compiled positive reports during a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Sanchez has been sidelined since aggravating a right groin strain on July 23.
"I'm hopeful that it will allow him to be a little fresher this final month of the season," Boone said. "With him, I don't worry so much about that because he's strong as an ox, and I feel like when he's right and healthy, we kind of lean on him. We're missing a few really premium, impactful players and I would count Gary as one of them."
Frazier stepped into the lineup for Class A Advanced Tampa's 3-1 victory over the Braves' Florida State League affiliate on Thursday, going 1-for-3 as the designated hitter. It marked Frazier's first game since July 19 due to post-concussion migraines.
"It's exciting that he's back in a game, first and foremost," Boone said. "Now it's see how he comes out, how he's able to bounce back, and now if he can start building up some stamina and start building consecutive days, then we can start thinking about him being an option at some point. First and foremost, really good to see him being able to get back on the field."
Boone said that Thursday was a recovery day for Gregorius, who tested his bruised left heel by hitting and fielding on back-to-back days this week. Boone has said it is possible Gregorius could be activated for Monday's game against the Athletics, though that is not certain.
Aaron Judge ran the bases and played catch at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, but he remains unable to resume swinging a bat.
"We're not quite there yet, but I think today was a good day, another positive step forward for him," Boone said. "He ramped up some things after a pretty much light day yesterday, so he's making progress, but [it's] slow still."
Iron Man
Giancarlo Stanton was in the lineup for Thursday's series opener against the Tigers, marking the slugger's 83rd consecutive start. While Stanton has said that a day off could be beneficial, he feels a responsibility to continue playing with so many teammates on the disabled list.

"There is a day off in his future," Boone said. "I'm constantly checking in with just to see where he's at physically. That day for him is coming; with us being as beat up as we are, it's a little tough to get your horses days right now. We've certainly leaned on him heavily. It's something that we constantly try to do what's best for the club and the individual."
Stanton has been managing a tight left hamstring throughout August. He entered Thursday having gone 6-for-38 (.158) with 16 strikeouts in 10 games since hitting his 299th career home run.
"It's baseball. You're going to hit balls at people sometimes," Stanton said. "You're going to be off for a game or two at times."
The Boys of Autumn
Seven members of the Yankees' organization have been tabbed to play for the Glendale Desert Dogs in this year's Arizona Fall League, including outfielder Estevan Florial, who is currently ranked as the club's No. 2 prospect and the No. 46 overall in all of baseball by MLB Pipeline.
Right-handers Domingo Acevedo, Jordan Foley, Hobie Harris and Matt Wivinis will be part of Glendale's pitching staff, joining prospects from the Dodgers, Indians, Orioles and White Sox organizations. Infielders Thairo Estrada and Steven Sensley will also play in the AFL, which begins on Oct. 9.
This date in Yankees history
Aug. 30, 1945: Bill Bevens carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning, then settled for a one-hitter in a 7-1 victory over the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Frankie Crosetti drove in four runs for the Bombers.