Full Breakdown
Aaron Judge Out as Yankees Await Rib Diagnosis
6/5/2026, 5:09:00 AM
Judge Out for Third Game
Aaron Judge was not in the New York Yankees lineup for a third straight game on Thursday as the team awaited clarification on a bone bruise in his right rib causing shoulder pain. The injury was first identified during testing on the team’s off-day Monday. Judge underwent a CT scan Thursday after an MRI earlier in the week, and staff sought “the most specific images” to determine the bruise’s extent.
Injury History & Recent Form
Judge’s rib issue follows a stress fracture diagnosed in March 2020 from a 2019 dive but not causing missed time because the 2020 season was delayed. He missed ten games in July 2023 with a flexor strain in his right elbow, treated with a plasma-rich injection and no surgery. When he last played, Judge was hitting .248 with 17 homers and 38 RBIs, with only one homer in his past 18 games since May 10. He snapped an 11-game homer and RBI drought with a two-run walk-off on May 24 after a 1-for-24 slump that dropped his average to .246.
Current Stats
Judge is batting .248 with 17 homers and 38 RBIs. He hit .331 with 53 homers and 114 RBIs in 152 games last season, starting 52 of the Yankees’ first 59 games in right field.
Boone’s Comments
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he expects an update within hours and explained the testing was prompted by edema. He emphasized many specialists are involved and that he is not a medical professional, underscoring the team’s caution.
Right-Field Adjustments
With Judge sidelined, José Caballero started the first two games against Cleveland and made four starts since being acquired from Tampa Bay at the July 31 trade deadline. Max Schuemann made his first start in right field on Thursday. Giancarlo Stanton, who filled in for Judge last season, remains out with a strained right calf and will miss the upcoming road trip. Rookie Spencer Jones and Cody Bellinger have each logged limited starts.
Impact on Yankees
Judge’s absence removes a power source from the lineup, forcing the Yankees to rely on recent acquisitions and younger players for right-field production. Uncertainty about his health could influence strategic decisions for the forthcoming road series.
Diagnosis Uncertainty
No definitive diagnosis has been released; the medical team is awaiting imaging results. The timeline for Judge’s return remains unclear, and the extent of required treatment has not been disclosed.
Next Steps
Yankees expect imaging results within hours and will decide Judge’s status before the upcoming road trip. Further medical evaluation may be required depending on the findings.
