Aaron Boone remains confident injured stars Aaron Judge (rib), Giancarlo Stanton (calf), and Cody Bellinger (hamstring) will return before season's end, even as the front office explores trades ahead of Monday's deadline. "We expect those guys back," Boone said Wednesday in Chicago.

The Yankees have survived without their walking wounded, rallying from 3-0 down to beat the White Sox 9-5 Monday and following with a 3-2 win Tuesday behind 8⅔ shutout innings. "I think we have a chance to be a really great club," Boone said.

New York seeks help at catcher, bullpen, and another bat, though Boone indicated most trade efforts are separate from injury situations. He speaks daily with the front office, offering "thought bubbles" on potential targets. Stanton remains in light running mode with no return date set.

Boone acknowledged the uncertainty: "It's impossible to know right now ultimately what you're going to do." With five days until the deadline, he expects clarity to crystallize soon.