Yankees captain Aaron Judge is scheduled to face live pitching Monday at Yankee Stadium, a key step before his anticipated return from a right rib stress fracture. The session represents the final on-field test for Judge, aside from building stamina, as he aims to rejoin the team this week after over three months on the injured list.
While the specifics of who will throw to Judge were still being finalized as of Sunday, this marks his first opportunity to face a live arm. Judge indicated Friday that he anticipated needing to see live pitching "a couple" of times before activation, which could push his return beyond Tuesday's game against the Rockies. Manager Aaron Boone offered no definitive timeline, stating, "I don’t know. We’ll see."
Prior to Sunday's game, Judge participated in base running and defensive drills in right field. Jasson Domínguez, who has been filling in at right field, made a fielding error on a single that rolled to the wall, allowing the runner to take two bases. Boone acknowledged the play, stating, "Obviously a play you’ve got to make. Didn’t make it."
Meanwhile, pitcher Clarke Schmidt completed his third rehab appearance Sunday with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, tossing two scoreless innings. Boone indicated Schmidt would require "at least a couple more" rehab outings before rejoining the Yankees bullpen.
In other injury updates, Ryan Weathers has begun his throwing program after a two-week shutdown for a left forearm flexor strain. Giancarlo Stanton, sidelined with a calf strain, is hitting but his return this season remains unlikely. Elmer Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after being with the team over the weekend without pitching.