Aaron Judge was back in the New York Yankees lineup Tuesday night for the first time in 99 days, but the captain knows there is still work to do before he is fully back to form.
After going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the Yankees’ 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies, Judge told reporters that he felt great but acknowledged the adjustment ahead after spending more than three months away from live pitching.
“It’s kind of like the start of the year,” Judge said, according to Peter Sblendorio of the New York Daily News. The 34-year-old had not appeared in a game since May 31 after suffering a stress fracture in his right first rib.
Judge returned without a minor-league rehab assignment and was immediately inserted into the No. 3 spot in Aaron Boone’s lineup. He played six innings before being removed as the Yankees managed his workload.
The limited outing was part of a cautious plan to get their captain back into game action without pushing him too quickly. Judge admitted he was not thrilled about leaving early, but the Yankees still got the result they wanted.
Heliot Ramos provided the biggest offensive moment after replacing Judge, hitting a three-run homer that helped secure the victory. Cam Schlittler also delivered a strong start as New York moved to 82-62.
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Judge’s return is still the bigger story. He entered Tuesday hitting .244 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs in 60 games, leaving the Yankees with plenty to monitor as he works his way back into rhythm.
New York is chasing Tampa Bay in the AL East but already holds the top Wild Card position. With only 18 games remaining, getting Judge comfortable against major league pitching will be critical.
The Yankees did not need Judge to produce immediately on Tuesday. They needed him healthy and back on the field. Now, the captain has to use the remaining games to turn that first step into postseason form.
