Yankees reinstate Aaron Judge after three‑month rib injury
Aaron Judge returns to the lineup Tuesday as New York prepares to face Colorado following his activation Monday night.
The New York Yankees placed three‑time American League MVP Aaron Judge back on the 40‑man roster on Monday, setting the stage for his first game since a fractured rib sidelined him in late May, ESPN reported. Judge is slated to start in right field against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, ending a 96‑game absence that stretched over three months.
Judge suffered the rib fracture while taking a swing in a late‑season game on May 31. The injury required a lengthy recovery period, and the veteran slugger missed the remainder of the regular season, including a crucial stretch in which the Yankees battled for a playoff spot. Medical staff cleared him after a series of imaging tests and a gradual rehab program, allowing the club to reactivate him before the final series of the year.
When healthy, Judge has been a cornerstone of the Yankees' offense, posting a .287 career average, 62 home runs last season, and earning his third AL MVP award in 2022. His power and disciplined plate approach have consistently placed him among the league’s top run producers, and his return restores a key element of New York’s lineup that had been missing during a pivotal stretch.
During Judge’s layoff, the Yankees leaned on younger players and veteran depth, but the team’s offensive output dipped, prompting concerns about their ability to secure a wild‑card berth. The club finished the regular season just one game above .500, and the timing of Judge’s comeback could influence the final standings, especially as the Yankees aim to clinch a postseason spot in the final games of the season.
Looking ahead, the Rockies series offers Judge a chance to reacclimate to game speed against a pitching staff that has struggled against power hitters. If he regains his pre‑injury form, the Yankees could see a surge in run production that may prove decisive in the closing weeks. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Judge will receive a full day of rest before his first at‑bat, emphasizing a cautious approach to avoid re‑injury.
Judge’s activation not only bolsters the Yankees’ offensive firepower but also provides a morale boost for a clubhouse that has endured a grueling stretch. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether his return can spark a late‑season rally and solidify New York’s postseason aspirations.
This report is based on original reporting by ESPN. Read the original source →