MLB power rankings: How far will Yankees slide without Aaron Judge?

Aaron Judge is such an impactful player, the New York Yankees must figure out how to recreate themselves without him.

And will they face an identity shift, or an identity crisis?

The Yankees lost three of their first five games without Judge after the 6-foot-7 slugger and three-time MVP was lost for several weeks with a stress fracture of the first rib on his right side. Now, they face a key six-game road swing to Cleveland and Toronto that may answer the question everyone’s wondering: How good are they without him?

The Yankees slid one spot to No. 5 in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings, as an already muddled AL field gets even further complicated. That’s not to say the Yankees will get pulled back to the pack. They’ll simply have to lean a little more on a starting rotation that ranks fourth in the AL with a 3.12 ERA. And continue getting contributions from players like Jazz Chisholm, on a 19-game heater (four homers, .919 OPS).

And hope for positive updates on Judge.

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• Among the many reasons they call him Money Michael Harris II: He’s 4-for-6 as a pinch-hitter, including a game-winner Sunday.

Among the many reasons they call him Money Michael Harris II: He’s 4-for-6 as a pinch-hitter, including a game-winner Sunday.

• Very fortunate a grisly collision didn’t disrupt one of Max Muncy‘s finest seasons.

Very fortunate a grisly collision didn’t disrupt one of Max Muncy‘s finest seasons.

• The Jake Bauers Experience rolls on: He has a pair of four-walk games, has .376 OBP, .891 OPS.

The Jake Bauers Experience rolls on: He has a pair of four-walk games, has .376 OBP, .891 OPS.

In a 3-10 funk, and their advantage over the Yankees has evaporated.

• Spencer Jones, still seeking first homer, goes 3-for-3 in first game following recall.

Spencer Jones, still seeking first homer, goes 3-for-3 in first game following recall.

Starters Gavin Williams, Parker Messick each building strong All-Star cases.

Riley O’Brien’s 17 saves rank second in majors.

• Cristopher Sanchez’s amazing streak pushes Phillies’ rotation to fourth-most innings pitched in NL.

Cristopher Sanchez’s amazing streak pushes Phillies’ rotation to fourth-most innings pitched in NL.

Manny Machado sags to .169, .596 OPS. Perhaps “more analytics” is the answer?

Randal Grichuk didn’t join team until May but ranks sixth with 19 RBIs.

(Salaries in present-day value calculated by MLB Labor Relations Department, impacted by deferrals and signing bonuses)

1. Juan Soto, Mets – $61,875,000

<1 / 30

(Salaries in present-day value calculated by MLB Labor Relations Department, impacted by deferrals and signing bonuses)

1. Juan Soto, Mets – $61,875,000

<2 / 30

2. Cody Bellinger, Yankees – $42,500,000

<3 / 30

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3. Zack Wheeler, Phillies – $42 million

<5 / 30

5. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays – $40,214,286

<6 / 30

6. Aaron Judge, Yankees – $40 million

<7 / 30

7. Anthony Rendon, Angels – $38,571,429

<8 / 30

8. Jacob deGrom, Rangers – $38 million

<9 / 30

9. Mike Trout, Angels – $37,116,667

<10 / 30

10. Gerrit Cole, Yankees – $36,000,000

<11 / 30

11. Jose Altuve, Astros – $33 million

<12 / 30

11. Kyle Tucker, Dodgers – $33 million

<13 / 30

13. Tyler Glasnow, Dodgers – $32,500,000

<14 / 30

14. Francisco Lindor, Mets – $32,477,277

<15 / 30

15. Tarik Skubal, Tigers – $32 million

<16 / 30

16. Carlos Correa, Astros – $31,500,000

<17 / 30

16. Corey Seager, Rangers – $31,500,000

<18 / 30

18. Sonny Gray, Red Sox – $31 million

<19 / 30

19. Corbin Burnes, Diamondbacks – $30,790,069

<20 / 30

20. Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees – $29 million

<21 / 30

21. Nathan Eovaldi, Rangers – $28,536,643

<22 / 30

22. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers – $28,206,684

<23 / 30

23. Dansby Swanson, Cubs – $28 million

<24 / 30

24. Carlos Rodon, Yankees – $27,833,333

<25 / 30

25. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (*retired) – $27,814,045

<26 / 30

26. Bryce Harper, Phillies – $27,538,462

<27 / 30

27. Trea Turner, Phillies – $27,272,727

<28 / 30

28. Blake Snell, Dodgers – $27,152,056

<29 / 30

29. Kris Bryant, Rockies – $27 million

<30 / 30

30. Yordan Alvarez, Astros – $26,833,333

Cal Raleigh‘s rehab assignment begins.

• Rotation savior Ben Brown has 1.74 ERA, hasn’t given up homer in majors-best 56 2/3 innings.

Rotation savior Ben Brown has 1.74 ERA, hasn’t given up homer in majors-best 56 2/3 innings.

Corbin Carroll nearly on a 30-homer pace.

• Rotation stalwarts Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft each give up six runs to No. 1 Atlanta.

Rotation stalwarts Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft each give up six runs to No. 1 Atlanta.

• Say what? Fill-in catcher Brandon Valenzuela ranks second on team with seven home runs.

Say what? Fill-in catcher Brandon Valenzuela ranks second on team with seven home runs.

• At least Matt McLain starting to awaken, pushing average over .200 and OPS from .614 to .671 in a week.

At least Matt McLain starting to awaken, pushing average over .200 and OPS from .614 to .671 in a week.

• For the sixth time since May 2, they’ve pulled within a game of .500. Perhaps this time’s the charm.

For the sixth time since May 2, they’ve pulled within a game of .500. Perhaps this time’s the charm.

• Marlins sweep in DC, series win at Arizona continues crazy home (12-20) and road (21-13) fortunes.

Marlins sweep in DC, series win at Arizona continues crazy home (12-20) and road (21-13) fortunes.

• Perhaps Gage Jump can save this rotation: He’s given up just one run in 13 ⅓ innings in two starts away from Yolo County.

Perhaps Gage Jump can save this rotation: He’s given up just one run in 13 ⅓ innings in two starts away from Yolo County.

Still just 11-15 in AL East after losing rubber game at Toronto.

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• Bullpen – with help from the dugout – leads majors with .200 opponents’ batting average.

Bullpen – with help from the dugout – leads majors with .200 opponents’ batting average.

Carson Benge becomes first Met rookie to go 5-for-5 with a home run.

• Royce Lewis mashed in St. Paul minor-league reset; can he take that to Target Field?

Royce Lewis mashed in St. Paul minor-league reset; can he take that to Target Field?

Things getting dicey between team and recently demoted Brayan Bello.

Tarik Skubal back by the weekend? He looks dominant in first rehab start.

Hit a grand slam in every city on nine-game road trip.

Eesh: Bobby Witt leaves game early with knee soreness.

Jack Kochanowicz hits IL with elbow soreness.

Outscored 28-12 in three-game Coors sweep by Brewers.

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