With Aaron Judge sidelined due to injury, a new name has emerged as favourite in odds to win the AL MVP award.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said his best player avoided a much worse fate in terms of the injury. The team is optimistic he can return to the lineup as soon as he's eligible to be activated from his IL stint. He'll be eased in as the designated hitter to avoid putting too much strain on his elbow.

New York Yankees outfielder and reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge has. been placed on the 10-day injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow, the team announced Sunday. In corresponding moves, LHP Brent Headrick was promoted from Triple-A and newly acquired Amed Rosario was added to the active roster.