New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge may return to the team as soon as their Sept. 8-13 homestand, manager Aaron Boone said Monday. Judge has been sidelined since late May with a stress fracture in his right rib.
The Yankees began a week-long trip on the West Coast Monday with Judge accompanying the team. Boone acknowledged that the outfielder's return could be possible if his recovery and workload progression continue to go well.
"It’s about getting the durability and the workload built up on him, which is the biggest thing now," Boone stated. "I’m not going to put a date on it, but I think those things are in play now."
Judge has been engaged in baseball activities, including defensive drills in right field and hitting inside. He has been responding well to his ramp-up as he progresses from his injury. To potentially avoid a rehabilitation assignment, Judge has been facing simulated pitches from the Trajekt machine, which is designed to replicate the exact pitches thrown by major league players.
"He’s doing well," Boone said. "He’s here, to continue to ramp up baseball activities. We’re getting closer, but feel good about where he’s at."