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Aaron Judge news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Aaron Judge took batting practice Friday, his first since May 31 rib fracture. He could return during Yankees' Sept. 8-13 homestand, boosting playoff push.
Background
Aaron Judge, the Yankees' captain and two-time defending AL MVP, has been out since late May with a stress fracture in his first right rib. He has been rehabbing and recently took on-field batting practice with the team in San Diego, a key step toward return. The Yankees are in a tight division race, four games back of the Rays with 19 games left, and have struggled offensively without him.
How it unfolded
- May 31, 2026Judge last played before being sidelined with a stress fracture in his first right rib.
- Sep 5, 2026Judge took on-field batting practice with the Yankees in San Diego, his first since the injury.
- Sep 6, 2026Reports indicate Judge still needs to face live pitching a couple of times before activation.
- Sep 7, 2026Manager Aaron Boone says Judge could return during the upcoming homestand (Sept. 8-13), possibly as early as Tuesday against the Rockies.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Manager Aaron Boone said 'it's possible' Judge returns on the homestand, but no decision on a rehab assignment has been made.
- Expert
- Ken Rosenthal reported there are no plans to ease Judge in; if he plays, he's in the lineup, though he may get the next game off.
- Public
- Yankees players are 'eager' for Judge's return, saying 'It would mean a lot to us.'
Still unverified
Reports of a possible Tuesday return are speculative; no official activation date has been set.