Are Yankees considering Andrew McCutchen over Brett Gardner?

Yankees outfielder Andrew McCutchen took fly balls in left field in Oakland, Calif. on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 (9/4/18), before the 5-1 win over the A’s. The Yankees lead the American League Wild Card race by 4.5 games.

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OAKLAND — It was a question as soon as Andrew McCutchen showed up.

How would the Yankees use him when Aaron Judge (right wrist fracture) returns from the disabled list?

There might have been a hint Tuesday.

McCutchen took fly balls in left field before a 5-1 win over the A’s at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

Could McCutchen end up playing there — and yanking playing time from veteran Brett Gardner — when the reigning American League Rookie of the Year comes back?

“We’ll see,” Boone said.

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The manager said he wanted McCutchen, a career-long center fielder playing right field this season, to get experience at the position.

McCutchen has never played there in the majors and has just 21 games of experience there in the minors.

Boone cited the fact the Yankees are slated to face tough Seattle lefty James Paxon on Friday.

Gardner doesn’t hit lefties well and Boone could try McCutchen in left at Safeco Field.

“I just kind of went to him with wanting that to be a possibility,” Boone said. “We go to Seattle, obviously, I think we get Paxton the first day. If I want to get Gardy a day off against a lefty, to have that option, I’d like to at least have it. We’ll probably see him at least get some work over there the next couple of days, just trying to get him a little more comfortable with those angles over there, but to make it at least an option. Whether we go through with it, we’ll see, it depends on Giancarlo also. With him, obviously, he can play left, but he’s been limited with the work he’s been able to do because of his legs and stuff.”

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.