New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, sidelined since late May with a right rib stress fracture, could be nearing a return to the lineup. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Judge's ramp-up has been progressing well, making a return possible as soon as the Yankees' homestand from September 8-13.
"I’m not going to put a date on it, but I think those things are in play now," Boone said Monday. "It’s about getting the durability and the workload built up on him, which is the biggest thing now."
Judge has been increasing his baseball activities, including hitting inside and performing defensive drills. While he has not yet faced high-velocity pitching, he has responded well to the simulated pitches from the Trajekt machine. Judge has expressed a desire to avoid a minor league rehab assignment, instead opting to build up his game readiness through such controlled environments.
"He’s doing well," Boone said of Judge. "He’s here, to continue to ramp up baseball activities. We’re getting closer, but feel good about where he’s at."
In other team news, the Yankees claimed veteran reliever John Schreiber off waivers from the Kansas City Royals. The right-handed sidearmer posted a 3.65 ERA in 55 appearances for the Royals this season and has shown effectiveness against right-handed batters. Pitching coach Matt Blake described Schreiber as a complementary piece to the bullpen, particularly for right-handed matchups.
Shortstop George Lombard Jr. remained out of the lineup Monday due to right knee inflammation, though he underwent testing on the field to assess his availability. Pitcher Ryan Weathers is in the second week of a two-to-four week shutdown for a left forearm flexor strain, but Boone indicated he is showing positive signs and could begin throwing soon. Additionally, pitcher Justin Topa elected free agency rather than accept an outright assignment to Triple-A.