New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was activated and entered the starting lineup Tuesday for the first time since May 31, following a 99-day absence due to a rib fracture. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Judge's return, noting that the team's plan involves gradually rebuilding his playing time rather than immediately returning him to full games.
"He could be on a rehab assignment, getting no innings and no at-bats here," Boone said, indicating that even limited participation with the major league club is preferable to a traditional rehab stint in the minor leagues. The Yankees managed a 45-39 record during Judge's extended absence, a period that underscored his significant impact on the team's performance.