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Yankees Optimistic Judge Returns Before Season End

8/4/2026

31 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Yankees GM Brian Cashman said they are optimistic Aaron Judge will return before season’s end.
Judge has been on the injured list since May 31, with imaging showing fracture healing but not enough to play.
A second rib re-imaging will clarify Judge’s timeline, though no return date is set.
The Yankees added Luis García Jr. and Heliot Ramos, and they lead the AL Wild Card at 63-49, 2½ games behind the Rays.

History

Historical Context

The 2024 Yankees, chasing a wild-card spot at 63-49, are banking on Aaron Judge’s rib recovery, echoing the 2004 Red Sox’s injury-hit surge that ended an 86-year World Series drought after a 3-0 ALCS deficit. That comeback, led by manager Terry Francona, reshaped the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry and showed how health gambles can alter a season.

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Story summary

Yankees GM Brian Cashman said they are optimistic Aaron Judge will return before season’s end.
Judge has been on the injured list since May 31, with imaging showing fracture healing but not enough to play.
A second rib re-imaging will clarify Judge’s timeline, though no return date is set.
The Yankees added Luis García Jr. and Heliot Ramos, and they lead the AL Wild Card at 63-49, 2½ games behind the Rays.

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