Aaron Judge was activated Monday and returned to the New York Yankees lineup Tuesday, playing right field and batting third against the Colorado Rockies. It marked his first game back after a 100-day absence due to a fractured rib sustained on May 31.
The Yankees' lineup on Tuesday featured Ben Rice at designated hitter and leading off, followed by left fielder Cody Bellinger, with Judge batting third. Luis Garcia Jr. was in the cleanup spot, playing first base, in his first game alongside Judge. Spencer Jones (center field), Jazz Chisholm Jr. (second base), George Lombard Jr. (shortstop), Ryan McMahon (third base), and Austin Wells (catcher) completed the batting order.
With 19 games remaining in the regular season, Judge has a limited time to regain his form and help the Yankees contend for the division title against the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. The team is also preparing for the postseason. The Yankees may opt to substitute Judge out of games early as they manage his return to full playing capacity without the benefit of a rehabilitation assignment.