The New York Yankees got some much-needed good news on their superstar outfielder and team captain.
Aaron Judge, who has been sidelined since June 2 with a right rib stress fracture, has been cleared for light activity in his injury rehab according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone. These light activities include outdoor running and building upper body resistance. Boone believes that Judge's current progress will "slowly but surely" roll into starting baseball activities.
"I think he understands what's at stake and his importance to this club and wanting to get back out there, but he's got to be whole, too," Boone said to the media.
This update on Judge comes only a few days after general manager Brian Cashman expressed cautious optimism about the 34-year-old's return. Cashman, meeting with the media after the trade deadline, didn't rule out the possibility that Judge may not return in 2026. Based on Judge's progression, he would likely come back to the Yankees in September, although there is no official timetable as of now.
Regardless of what the timeline is, Judge remained steadfast that his 2026 season will not end prematurely.
"I'll be back this season. I don't know why I wouldn't be," Judge said to the media. "That was always the plan. I've never had a thought of not playing this year."
Although not as dominant as he was over the past two seasons, Judge remained productive in the 59 games he's played this season. The slugger slashed .248/.375/.533 with 17 home runs, 38 RBI, a 151 wRC+ and 2.2 fWAR. However, he struggled over his last 18 games before being placed on the IL, hitting just .206/.304/.309 with one home run.
The Yankees' lineup has struggled greatly since Judge was sidelined, scoring only 216 runs (sixth-fewest in MLB since June 2). His continued absence, alongside an injury to fellow outfielder Cody Bellinger (Grade 2 hamstring strain), led the Bronx Bombers to trade for Heliot Ramos from the San Francisco Giants before the deadline.
Even with their injuries and struggling offense, the Yankees are still 64-50 and trail the first-place Tampa Bay Rays by 3.5 games in the AL East, while holding the first Wild Card spot in the American League. The update on Judge wasn't the only positive sign of health for New York, as Bellinger took batting practice at Yankee Stadium earlier on Wednesday.
The Yankees will continue to hold serve without their captain and try to take the rubber game of a three-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM EST in the Bronx.
