Yankees captain Aaron Judge is experiencing an improved recovery from a right rib fracture, but has not yet reached a stage for significant baseball activity. Judge is "encouraged with how he was feeling," according to manager Aaron Boone, though he remains in a "holding pattern" as he awaits further healing.
Ten days after imaging showed his rib stress fracture was healing but not sufficiently to permit baseball activities, Judge is waiting for another round of scans to confirm adequate progress. He has been sidelined for nearly two months, having last played on May 31. The Yankees have a 22-22 record in his absence.
While the team expects Judge to return this season, a definitive timeline cannot be established until he is cleared for baseball activities. Without their captain and two-time American League MVP, the Yankees' offense has struggled. Since June 1, the team ranks among the lowest in runs scored per game, weighted runs created plus (wRC+), on-base percentage (OPS), batting average, and on-base percentage. Their strikeout rate is also the highest in the league, and their walk rate is among the lowest.
Other Yankees players are also navigating injury timelines. Giancarlo Stanton is progressing in his running regimen for a right calf strain but has no set return date. Pitcher Carlos Rodón threw a two-inning bullpen session on Saturday as he recovers from left elbow inflammation, with the hope of facing hitters next week if the session proves successful.
Amed Rosario, batting .179 with a .590 OPS over his last 23 games, has struggled offensively, particularly against left-handed pitchers, a group he has historically performed well against.