Aaron Judge was officially activated and returned to the New York Yankees lineup Tuesday, 100 days after his last game on May 31. The captain played right field and batted third as the Yankees opened a series against the Colorado Rockies.

Judge's return is a significant boost for the Yankees, who struggled to maintain their World Series aspirations during his absence, finishing with a 45-39 record without their slugger. Manager Aaron Boone described the feeling in the clubhouse as different with Judge's presence, calling him "the best hitter in the world."

"His presence is very real and obviously you know what he means to those guys — not only as a player, but as a person in that room, as a captain," Boone said. "So I think everyone’s excited, obviously, that he’s back."

After an expedited rehabilitation process that did not include a minor league stint, Judge is set to build up his stamina in the majors. Boone indicated that Judge might not play the entirety of every game initially and is unlikely to make diving plays in the outfield, at least until the postseason. The team plans to "adjust each night" to build him up "smartly."

Judge's return is also expected to impact how opposing pitchers approach other hitters in the lineup. Batters hitting ahead of him may see more hittable pitches, as opponents may be hesitant to pitch to Judge with runners on base.

Boone stated that Judge will primarily play right field, which allows for designated hitter duties for players like Ben Rice or Luis García Jr. Spencer Jones will shift to center field. Judge sustained his rib injury diving during a previous game, a play Boone hopes he will avoid in the near future. "I’d like him to be cautious with that stuff, and he will," Boone said of Judge, who is asymptomatic but "hyperaware" of his injury.

While Judge's legs are not anticipated to be an issue, questions remain about his immediate effectiveness and how quickly he can return to his typical form after a lengthy layoff, during which a rib injury limited his ability to work out.

Despite the unknowns, the Yankees are enthusiastic about having their captain back on the field. "Off we go," Boone said. "Obviously, excited to have our captain back."