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Aaron Judge Returns to Throwing in Light Workout

8/16/2026

50 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Aaron Judge Resumes Catching

Aaron Judge played catch for the first time since fracturing his right rib after being cleared for light workouts on Aug. 5 and has not played since May 31.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the session is a ramp-up and that Judge responded well to throwing.
Judge is hitting .248 with 17 home runs and a .907 OPS.

Summary

Aaron Boone Rotates

Manager Aaron Boone said the team may piggyback pitcher Carlos Rodón with pitcher Ryan Weathers or pitcher Will Warren.
The club placed reliever Angel Chivilli on the seven-day Triple-A injured list and signed veteran right-hander Justin Topa to a minor-league deal.
With pitcher Carlos Rodón, pitcher Gerrit Cole, pitcher Max Fried and pitcher Cam Schlittler healthy, New York could field four All-Star starters for the first time since 2025.

History

Historical Context

In 2004 the Yankees, guided by GM Brian Cashman, signed veteran Mike Mussina and rallied from injuries to post a 101-win season. After Aaron Boone took over as manager in 2018, he cleared captain Aaron Judge for workouts in 2024 and added reliever Justin Topa, echoing the earlier strategy of timely signings to sustain a playoff push.

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Aaron Judge Resumes Catching

Aaron Judge played catch for the first time since fracturing his right rib after being cleared for light workouts on Aug. 5 and has not played since May 31.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the session is a ramp-up and that Judge responded well to throwing.
Judge is hitting .248 with 17 home runs and a .907 OPS.

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