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We’re down to the final two weeks of the season, as playoff spots continue to be clinched and mathematical eliminations occur on a near-nightly basis.

Which players will have an outsized impact on the home stretch? Which players are we most intrigued to see before the postseason (or the offseason) begins for their club? Here’s one X-factor player for all 32 teams.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors rates teams against one another — taking into account game results, injuries and upcoming schedule — and those results are tabulated to produce the list featured here.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the most recent edition, published March 24. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 80.67%
Next seven days: @ PIT (Apr. 1), @ STL (Apr. 2), vs. TOR (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Taylor Hall. The Bruins have so much going for them; there’s no one player that will really improve their stretch run. The Bruins do need to determine Hall’s status though. Ideally Boston would like to have one of their top wingers back in the mix before the playoffs to ensure he’s fully tuned up. The sooner Hall — absent with a lower-body injury since March 2 — can get back in, the better.

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 69.59%
Next seven days: @ MTL (Apr. 1), vs. NYI (Apr. 2), vs. OTT (Apr. 4), @ NSH (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Frederik Andersen. Carolina wants to be confident in its goaltending ahead of playoffs. That means having Andersen at his best. Antti Raanta and Pyotr Kochetkov have handled netminding duties throughout the season, but Andersen should still be Carolina’s No. 1. These final weeks are a critical preparatory period for Andersen.

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 68.00%
Next seven days: @ CHI (Apr. 1), @ WPG (Apr. 2), vs. PIT (Apr. 4), vs. CBJ (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Vitek Vanecek. New Jersey knows there’s (most likely) a first-round playoff meeting forthcoming with the Rangers. And New York has a Vezina Trophy winner in Igor Shesterkin between the pipes. This stretch drive is a valuable opportunity for Vanecek to get on top of his game. Coach Lindy Ruff will have to manage Vanecek’s workload well too, ensuring he’s primed to go save-for-save with Shesterkin.

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 66.22%
Next seven days: @ OTT (Apr. 1), vs. DET (Apr. 2), vs. CBJ (Apr. 4), @ BOS (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Morgan Rielly. Toronto has been rolling out an 11-7 alignment that rotates defenseman in and out of the lineup. The Leafs need back-end stability leading up to playoffs, and that leadership should come from Rielly. He’s the team’s longest-tenured player, their top defender and a valued voice in the room. Rielly’s contributions from here to postseason can’t be overlooked.

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 65.33%
Next seven days: @ BUF (March 31), @ WSH (Apr. 2), vs. TB (Apr. 5), @ STL (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Vladimir Tarasenko. New York acquired Tarasenko for exactly this time of year. It hasn’t been an entirely seamless transition for Tarasenko to play with old pal Artemi Panarin though, and these last games before playoffs can be a difference-maker for Tarasenko to showcase why the Rangers wanted him — and what he’ll wield when the calendar turns over to postseason play.

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 66.00%
Next seven days: vs. MIN (Apr. 1), @ MIN (Apr. 3), @ NSH (Apr. 4), vs. LA (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Jack Eichel. Vegas expected Eichel to boost their postseason prospects when they traded for him last season — and then the Golden Knights promptly did not reach the playoffs. Bummer. Now it’s on Eichel to make sure Vegas isn’t just in the field, but primed when it gets to the league’s second season. He has all the tools to be a game-changer and shouldn’t miss out on these final chances to improve.

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 64.00%
Next seven days: @ SEA (Apr. 1), @ VAN (Apr. 2), vs. EDM (Apr. 4), @ VGK (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Joonas Korpisalo. Los Angeles made waves trading long-time goaltender Jonathan Quick and acquiring Korpisalo. But you can see why. Korpisalo opened his career in L.A. at 4-0-1 with a .929 save percentage. He’s potentially pushing Pheonix Copley for the coveted No. 1 starter’s job for playoffs. There’s a lot on the line for both netminders as the Kings finish out this regular season.

Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 64.67%
Next seven days: @ VGK (Apr. 1), vs. VGK (Apr. 3), @ PIT (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Matt Boldy. Minnesota should have Kirill Kaprizov back for the playoffs. Until then, it’s on forwards like Boldy to keep the offense warm. Boldy is delivering too, recently recording a hat trick in Seattle and showing some consistency. That sort of play would continue to fire up the Wild’s attack and make it easy for Kaprizov to step back in — without undue pressure — when he’s ready.

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 63.51%
Next seven days: vs. DAL (Apr. 1), @ SJ (Apr. 4), @ SJ (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Gabriel Landeskog. Colorado is finally, consistently showing its Stanley Cup-winning prowess. How much more dangerous would the Avalanche be if Landeskog — who has yet to play this season — could make a return before the postseason? It’s a big deal for Colorado to have him available and would be a real determining factor in their success throughout games — and playoff rounds — to come.

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 63.51%
Next seven days: @ ARI (March 31), @ COL (Apr. 1), vs. NSH (Apr. 3), vs. PHI (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Nils Lundkvist. Dallas is deep up front but hasn’t had the defensive depth to match. Enter Lundkvist. He has a few weeks remaining to show the Stars how he can help — in the present and postseason. Dallas’ limited blue-line resources means everyone must be at their best, and Lundkvist should have more to give at 5-on-5 and in a power-play spot.

Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 63.82%
Next seven days: vs. ANA (Apr. 1)., @ LA (Apr. 4), @ ANA (Apr. 5)

X-factor: Jack Campbell. Edmonton knows what it has in No. 1 goalie Stuart Skinner. What the Oilers must have certainty in also is Campbell. Skinner deserves some rest down the stretch, which would lead to more action for Campbell. He must show Edmonton he’ll be a reliable piece of the puzzle if called upon in the playoffs.

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 61.84%
Next seven days: vs. NYI (Apr. 1), @ NYR (Apr. 5), @ NYI (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Steven Stamkos. Tampa Bay has been skidding through the end of this regular season. Cause for concern? It’s on Stamkos to make sure that’s not the case. It’s less about Stamkos addressing the Lightning’s on-ice difficulties than it is setting the example of persevering through a rough patch and coming out the other side a stronger team for it.

Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 57.24%
Next seven days: @ TB (Apr. 1), @ CAR (Apr. 2), vs. TB (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Bo Horvat. New York stunningly pursued — and then extended — Horvat because of his potential to be an offensive game-changer on a team that required more scoring. The Islanders need a lot more out of Horvat though — in the regular season and playoffs. The 27-year-old hasn’t hit his stride yet, with only six goals and 11 points in 24 games for New York (after 31 and 23 in 54 for Vancouver). All eyes will be on Horvat to elevate his game in the coming weeks.

Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 60.81%
Next seven days: vs. LA (Apr. 1), vs. ARI (Apr. 3), @ VAN (Apr. 4), vs. ARI (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Philipp Grubauer. Seattle’s glaring weakness all season has been goaltending. Grubauer is the Kraken’s starter once again, but can he hold on to the mantle and help Seattle secure its first playoff berth? What more can Grubauer show that would give the Kraken confidence he’ll be a postseason rock?

Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 56.67%
Next seven days: vs. DET (March 31), vs. NJ (Apr. 2), vs. CGY (Apr. 5)

X-factor: Mark Scheifele. Winnipeg’s playoff hopes hinge on production from core players. Scheifele has to lead the charge there. He’s had an up-and-down season, but retains all the ability to lift this Jets’ offense. If Scheifele can really turn up the heat on his scoring game, it’ll go a long way for Winnipeg’s postseason push.

Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 56.00%
Next seven days: vs. BOS (Apr. 1), vs. PHI (Apr. 2), @ NJ (Apr. 4), vs. MIN (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Tristan Jarry. Pittsburgh has had its problems in net all season. Chief among them has been Jarry’s availability. The Penguins’ projected No. 1 goalie has weathered injury issues and struggled when he is in the lineup. Casey DeSmith isn’t the answer if Pittsburgh wants to be a playoff contender. Jarry has to stay healthy from here and get as many reps as possible to help carry the Penguins’ postseason hopes.

Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 55.33%
Next seven days: @ VAN (March 31), vs. ANA (Apr. 2), vs. CHI (Apr. 4), @ WPG (Apr. 5)

X-factor: Jacob Markstrom. Calgary has lacked consistency throughout starter Markstrom’s up-and-down season. That roller-coaster ride has to end now. Calgary can still grab a wild-card spot, but only if Markstrom continues to play like he did this week shutting the door on L.A. in a 33-save performance. The Flames’ postseason hopes depend on Markstrom standing tall.

Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 55.41%
Next seven days: vs. STL (Apr. 1), @ DAL (Apr. 3), vs. VGK (Apr. 4), vs. CAR (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Cody Glass. Nashville’s infirmary is filled with the team’s top players, from Matt Duchene to Roman Josi. But the Predators’ push for a playoff spot is ongoing, and forwards like Glass have to be the difference that ultimately gets Nashville over the hump. Glass has a top-line role and scored a big goal against Boston earlier this week. The Predators need everything Glass has to give from here.

Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 54.61%
Next seven days: @ CBJ (Apr. 1), vs. BUF (Apr. 4), vs. OTT (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Sergei Bobrovsky. Florida has pushed its way into the playoff conversation by averaging four goals per game the last few weeks. At issue? The more than four goals per game they’re giving up. Bobrovsky has to lock down the Panthers’ crease from here in a significant way. If he can’t, there’s little chance of Florida clawing its way into the postseason.

Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 50.66%
Next seven days: vs. NYR (Apr. 2), @ MTL (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Evgeny Kuznetsov. Washington has likely played itself out of postseason contention. That would frustrate any skater, including — apparently — Kuznetsov. The Capitals’ forward shot down Russian media reports this week claiming he wants to be traded. Where Kuznetsov should do his talking though is on the ice. Washington has a handful of games left and deserves to see Kuznetsov giving them a $7.8 million-worthy effort. It hasn’t happened nearly enough this season.

Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 52.74%
Next seven days: vs. NYR (March 31), @ PHI (Apr. 1), @ FLA (Apr. 4), @ DET (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Jordan Greenway. Buffalo is keeping its gaze on the future, and Greenway will be a part of that. The question — to be determined in these coming games — is where Greenway will fit. How big can his impact on the Sabres’ offense be? Greenway’s workload has increased slowly since he was traded. Buffalo has time now to see what the big winger’s best role in their lineup could be.

Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 52.67%
Next seven days: vs. TOR (Apr. 1), @ CBJ (Apr. 2), @ CAR (Apr. 4), @ FLA (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Cam Talbot. Ottawa needs a miracle to make the playoffs. Blue-line injuries have piled up again — both Thomas Chabot and Jakob Chychrun are currently out — and the Senators’ best hope of replacing those lost contributions is through excellent goaltending. Hello, Cam Talbot. The veteran returned from injury this week and has to shake off any rust quickly. Ottawa will rely on him to give the team a final, fighting chance to the finish line.

Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: vs. CGY (March 31), vs. LA (Apr. 2), vs. SEA (Apr. 4), vs. CHI (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Brock Boeser. Vancouver won’t make any major personnel decisions based off a couple weeks. But Boeser’s future with the Canucks continues to be a major storyline. What will these final games show the organization, and potential offseason trade partners, about what Boeser can offer? Will Boeser convince Vancouver to hold on to him? Or make himself even more valuable as a potential trade asset?

Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 50.67%
Next seven days: @ NSH (Apr. 1), vs. BOS (Apr. 2), vs. PHI (Apr. 4), vs. NYR (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Colton Parayko. St. Louis will have offseason blue-line decisions to make and now is the time for highly paid players like Parayko to prove why the Blues should keep them around. Parayko’s improved lately amid what’s been a challenging season. This last gasp of the season is an opportunity for Parayko to showcase his best effort.

Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 50.68%
Next seven days: @ WPG (March 31), @ TOR (Apr. 2), @ MTL (Apr. 4), vs. BUF (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Dylan Larkin. Detroit can still wrap up its regular season on a high note. That’s where Larkin comes in. He’s continued to play at a high level in spite of the Red Wings diminishing postseason hopes. Seeing Larkin continue to push himself sets a tone for everyone in Detroit to do the same, and foster belief in brighter — not to mention longer — springs to come.

Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 47.97%
Next seven days: vs. BUF (Apr. 1), @ PIT (Apr. 2), @ STL (Apr. 4), @ DAL (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Cam York. Philadelphia has a couple pending RFAs, and York is one of them. These last few games are York’s opportunity to show off why he’s the Flyers’ top-pairing defenseman of the future — and should be extended accordingly. Plus, York’s efforts should help keep Philadelphia competitive until the end.

Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 44.67%
Next seven days: vs. DAL (March 31), vs. SJ (Apr. 1), @ SEA (Apr. 3), @ SEA (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Matias Maccelli. Arizona’s on-ice play doesn’t generate the most headlines. That’s a shame for Maccelli. He’s second in rookie scoring this season and can further cement his Calder Trophy candidacy with an impressive last stretch. It would give the Coyotes a nice boost for the future to see Maccelli continuing to dominate.

Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 43.42%
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Apr. 1), vs. DET (Apr. 4), vs. WSH (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Denis Gurianov. Montreal’s overall mission now is securing the highest possible pick in this June’s draft. Simultaneously, the Canadiens will try to sort out what they’ve got in Gurianov. Montreal has seen multiple sides of Gurianov since trading for him, and will likely use what’s left of the regular season to decide how much to invest in the pending RFA forward.

Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 38.00%
Next seven days: @ ARI (Apr. 1), vs. COL (Apr. 4), vs. COL (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Kaapo Kahkonen. San Jose could have its goaltender of the future in Kahkonen. But that’s a pretty big “could.” Kahkonen has struggled — like many Sharks — throughout the season, and that’s called into question his candidacy for the No. 1 spot going forward. Ahead are a few potential final chances for Kahkonen to make his case.

Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 37.33%
Next seven days: @ EDM (Apr. 1), @ CGY (Apr. 2), vs. EDM (Apr. 5)

X-factor: Trevor Zegras. Anaheim has a key negotiation incoming with pending RFA Zegras. The investment both sides make to one another will reflect well — or not — on the organization. Zegras can use this time to keep hockey fun in Anaheim and show off why he deserves a large incoming payday that ensures better days ahead for the Ducks.

Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 36.49%
Next seven days: vs. FLA (Apr. 1), vs. OTT (Apr. 2), @ TOR (Apr. 4), @ NJ (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Boone Jenner. Columbus is so decimated by injuries at this point that stalwarts like Jenner become more critical than ever. Maintaining positivity is always part of a captain’s job, and it’s imperative Jenner do that — through on- and off-ice leadership — to cap off Columbus’ season on a less-than-sour note.

Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 36.00%
Next seven days: vs. NJ (Apr. 1), @ CGY (Apr. 4), @ VAN (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Jonathan Toews. Chicago isn’t looking for points. But the Blackhawks did get a big win this week when Toews returned to the fold. His presence should be a nice boost to wrap up Chicago’s regular season and will give Toews time to assess his own next chapter — whether that’s with the Blackhawks or not.

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Will the Cubs go all-in at the deadline? Breaking down Chicago’s potential trade options

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Will the Cubs go all-in at the deadline? Breaking down Chicago's potential trade options

MILWAUKEE — In the midst of a heavyweight battle for first place in the National League Central, the Chicago Cubs are still scouring the landscape for help before Thursday’s MLB trade deadline. On their wish list: two starters, a reliever, a potential upgrade at third base and perhaps a backup center fielder.

The man to get it done? President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, who received a multiyear contract extension Monday as ownership believes he’s the right person to lead the organization during this trade deadline and beyond.

With such a lengthy to-do list, why hasn’t Hoyer made a move yet with just days left to deal? What teams want for those players has been sky high at the top and middle of the market, according to sources familiar with the Cubs’ situation.

Sometimes, a deadline is all it takes to make things happen.

“No one’s untouchable,” Hoyer said recently. “But at the same time, we have a lot of really good prospects and you have to feel like you’re getting commensurate value.”

While the Cubs attempt to find the right fits for their deadline needs, here is where things stand at each area they hope to address.


Starting pitching

Of all their needs, the Cubs view finding help on the mound to be their biggest priority, according to sources familiar with their thinking.

They rank 14th in the majors in starting pitching ERA, and their need for help is amplified by their lack of depth after Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga at the top of the rotation.

“They’ve known that was a need since Justin Steele went down,” a rival executive said.

The Cubs have “kicked the tires in a lot of places” in their search for pitching, one American League source said.

That includes starting pitchers at the top of this year’s deadline like Washington Nationals star MacKenzie Gore, those in the middle like Chicago White Sox righty Adrian Houser and even a player returning from injury in Cleveland Guardians starter Shane Bieber. Bieber could be this year’s deadline version of Boyd, who helped Cleveland down the stretch last year before signing with the Cubs in the offseason.

The Cubs have talked at various times to the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays about their potentially available starters and to the Pittsburgh Pirates about Mitch Keller, as well as a handful of other teams, according to sources. The Cubs are also candidates to land one of Arizona’s available pitchers — though, after another so-so performance by Zac Gallen over the weekend, righty Merrill Kelly, 37, is the more reliable of the two Diamondbacks pitchers. And they also have shown interest in Baltimore’s Zach Eflin.

“The Cubs are ready to pounce if the prices come down,” another source said.

The return needed to land Gore would be astronomical and is prohibitive to a deal for the strikeout artist. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel has said that the key player the Nationals are rumored to want for Gore is third baseman Matt Shaw, who isn’t on the table.

The White Sox are looking for a prospect ranked in the teens for Houser and even Gore’s teammate, Michael Soroka, would take a higher-than-expected return despite a 4.87 ERA.

The Cubs are determined to enter August with a deeper rotation, so a move is likely. But which team lowers its demands is still the big question.


Relief pitching

Similar to the starters, the Cubs’ bullpen also ranks in the middle of the pack in ERA this season, with clear opportunities for improvement if Chicago can find the right deadline match and multiple relievers needed for the high stakes of the months ahead. The Cubs’ core group of Daniel Palencia, Caleb Thielbar, Ryan Brasier, Drew Pomeranz and Brad Keller has been solid, but those latter few have shown some cracks recently. This is also Palencia’s first chance at being a closer, so the Cubs wouldn’t mind pairing someone with some experience, considering Ryan Pressly has been shaky at best.

The Cubs are among the teams that would love to acquire either Griffin Jax or Danny Coulombe or closer Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins. But just as they do for the available starting pitchers, the Cubs have their ‘irons in the fire’ for the relievers as well, according to the AL source.

There is one closer who could be on the move but can be ruled out for the Cubs — Ryan Helsley, who plays for the rival Cardinals. But Nationals reliever Kyle Finnegan, Pirates closer David Bednar, Braves righty Raisel Iglesias and Rays ninth-inning man Pete Fairbanks are all possibilities if Duran isn’t attainable.


Third base

The first trade deadline domino at third base fell last week when the New York Yankees acquired Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies. But the Cubs weren’t really in on McMahon, according to league sources, which provides a window into how they are approaching the hot corner this month.

Shaw has been much better recently, including posting a ..387/.406/.839 slash line since the All-Star break while playing stellar defense.

“Matt is getting a great opportunity,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “He’s doing the best to take advantage of it. … You should have to earn your spots on teams like this. That’s completely fair. It doesn’t get easier. You have to earn that. Matt is doing a great job of that.”

Shaw’s improvement has given Chicago confidence that he can handle the position the rest of this season. It also allows the Cubs to see if a big deal develops instead of forcing one to fill a lineup spot.

Chicago is in constant contact with the Arizona Diamondbacks about possibly acquiring third baseman Eugenio Suarez and Kelly in what likely would be the biggest blockbuster of this deadline. It’s probably a long shot because Chicago’s biggest need is on the mound, but it’s not impossible.


What the Cubs have to offer

Though expectations on trade return are bound to come down somewhat in the coming days, the reality of this deadline is that there are more teams looking to add than subtract, so it will take big offers to land the best players available.

The Cubs are willing to part with their top prospect, OF Owen Caissie, but not for a player they’ll have for one season. The slugging outfielder is one of the three players drawing the most interest from opposing teams, along with Shaw and Double-A pitcher Jaxon Wiggins. Chicago has made 22-year-old outfielder Kevin Alcantara available, but so far, he hasn’t drawn the interest the other players have.

“I mean that’s one of the fun parts of this job is you kind of have to alter your playbook,” Hoyer said about being nimble and switching directions.

One thing the Cubs won’t do this year is blow up their farm system to increase their playoff odds — which sit at 94.7%, according to FanGraphs.

The Cubs are in a different place this July than they were in 2016, when they moved their No.1 prospect — Gleyber Torres — for closer Aroldis Chapman despite having about a 99% chance of making the postseason. But the move helped them win the World Series.

If that deadline is what all-in looks like on the North Side, the vibe heading into Thursday could be best described as “mostly-in.”

The Cubs are highly motivated to return to the postseason after a prolonged absence, and an aggressive approach is still expected as Chicago prepares for a division race that could be a battle to the end. But the Cubs’ level of aggressiveness remains to be seen.

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With Judge out, Yankees trade for OF Slater

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With Judge out, Yankees trade for OF Slater

The Yankees traded for outfielder Austin Slater from the White Sox on Wednesday, as New York continues to bolster a roster currently without superstar outfielder Aaron Judge ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.

The White Sox acquired minor league pitcher Gage Ziehl in return.

Slater is batting .236 with five home runs and a .721 OPS in 51 games this season, but like recent Yankees acquisition Amed Rosario, he has been very productive against left-handed pitchers with a .261 batting average, .859 OPS and all five of his home runs coming in 77 plate appearances against them.

“Really enjoyed my time here and met some incredible people,” Slater said of the White Sox. “Super fun clubhouse to be in. But then also really excited to go play for the Yankees. One of those teams as a kid you always dream about playing for. And they are right in a race for the playoffs. Excited to go there and try to help them out.”

The 32-year-old right-handed hitter missed over a month between April and May with a torn meniscus in his right knee. He signed a one-year, $1.75 million deal with Chicago in November, making him a rental for the Yankees before reaching free agency again this offseason.

Slater has started 15 games in right field, nine in left field and one as designated hitter this season. He provides the Yankees further insurance should Judge, who is on the 10-day injured list with a flexor strain, not return to the outfield for the remainder of the year.

As of now, the Yankees hope Judge will return in early August after the 10-day minimum absence to serve as their designated hitter and begin a throwing program with the goal of returning to right field this season. Giancarlo Stanton, the club’s everyday designated hitter, began working out in right field this week to prepare for the possibility of playing the field for the first time since 2023.

Slater also offers Yankees manager Aaron Boone more lineup and in-game flexibility to counter left-handed pitchers with an outfield group that leans heavily left-handed. With Judge on the injured list, the Yankees don’t have a right-handed-hitting primary outfielder on the active roster; Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger are left-handed, and Jasson Dominguez, a switch-hitter, has a .585 OPS in 98 plate appearances batting from the right side this season. Slater figures to start games over Dominguez against left-handed pitchers.

Slater spent the first seven-plus seasons of his career with the San Francisco Giants before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds last summer. New York will be Slater’s fifth team in just over a year.

“At this point, we’re a little more prepared than we were last year,” Slater said. “It was something, there was always writing on the wall that it could happen. That maybe helped us mentally prepare a little bit more this year.”

Rosario, a utility man acquired from the Washington Nationals on Saturday, gives Boone another right-handed-hitting corner outfield option, but he is also slated to play second and third base.

Ziehl, 22, was a fourth-round pick by the Yankees last year. The right-hander has posted a 4.15 ERA in 16 appearances (15 starts) between three levels this season, topping out with one start in Double-A.

In addition to Slater and Rosario, the Yankees have traded for veteran third baseman Ryan McMahon in the past week. The Yankees remain in the market for pitching, both starters and relievers before Thursday’s 6 p.m. ET deadline, sources said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Cubs’ Happ: No IL needed after foul ball off shin

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Cubs' Happ: No IL needed after foul ball off shin

MILWAUKEE — Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ won’t require a stint on the injured list after fouling a ball off his shin against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Happ wasn’t in the lineup for Wednesday’s series finale but said he could be available if necessary. X-rays taken on Happ’s shin were negative.

“Nothing serious,” Happ said before the game, adding that he did feel “a little sore and stiff.”

The incident occurred Tuesday during the eighth inning of the Cubs’ 9-3 loss to the Brewers and caused him to exit the game. Happ also had said Tuesday he felt lightheaded as a result of the pain coming from his shin.

“It was something like, if you feel like you’re going to pass out or throw up on the field, you probably shouldn’t continue the at bat,” Happ said before Wednesday’s game.

Happ said he generally doesn’t wear shin guards when he’s at the plate. That likely will change for at least a little bit.

“I don’t love the way they feel,” Happ said. “I don’t like the bulkiness of them, so I try not to (wear them). But when I hit right-handed now for a week or two, I’ll have one on. And then once it goes away, we’ll do it again.”

Although Happ avoided a stint on the injured list, the Cubs did make a move Wednesday by calling up catcher Moisés Ballesteros from Triple-A Iowa and designating utilityman Vidal Bruján for assignment. Ballesteros was batting seventh as a designated hitter in the Cubs’ lineup Wednesday.

“It was basically just trying to put the best lineup out there today, essentially,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “In moving on from Bruján, moving forward, we’re probably going to have to make some other changes to the roster just to get more outfield depth. But for today, it made sense.”

Ballesteros, 21, has batted .332 with a .393 on-base percentage, .496 slugging percentage, nine homers, 57 RBI and four steals in 86 games with Iowa. He went 3 for 18 with three RBI in five games with Chicago earlier this season.

He said that earlier stint in the big leagues taught him to be more patient.

“As much as we want to get out there and do things too perfect, we’ve just got to stick to what you do and just try not to do too much,” Ballesteros said through an interpreter.

Bruján, 27, hit .222 with a .234 on-bae percentage, no homers, three RBI and two steals in 36 games.

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