Aaron Judge has been cleared to begin light workout activity and expressed confidence that he will return to play this season from the rib injury that has kept him sidelined since May 31. The three-time American League Most Valuable Player was on the field Wednesday at Yankee Stadium, engaging in stretching, jogging, and shuffle slides with a resistance band.
This step forward in his recovery follows his latest scan on Tuesday, which provided "better news" about the healing of his fractured right rib. Judge is currently on the 60-day injured list. While he is progressing, he indicated that it will still be some time before he can return to the lineup, with hitting being the "ultimate test" due to its strenuous nature.
"I wish it was completely healed and the fracture was gone and start playing tomorrow, but that's not the case. But, great step forward," Judge said. He added that he is "running out of days" with approximately 52 days remaining in the regular season, emphasizing his desire to get back on the field.
Neither Judge nor Yankees manager Aaron Boone offered a specific target date for his return. Judge stated that he "kind of forced them on that one" regarding the progression to running activities and that reporters would be informed once a game plan is established.
Before his injury, Judge was batting .248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs this season. His absence has coincided with offensive struggles for the Yankees, who have gone 28-27 since he was last in the lineup. The team has also been impacted by the injuries to designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton and outfielder Cody Bellinger. To bolster the lineup, the Yankees acquired first baseman Luis García Jr. and outfielder Heliot Ramos prior to the trade deadline. The team is currently four games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East and holds the top wild card spot.