Full Breakdown
Yankees Navigate Multiple Rehab Milestones as Key Players Edge Toward Return
8/16/2026, 8:45:22 PM
Current Rehab Milestones
In early August, outfielder Aaron Judge threw a baseball in a light-catch session, his first on-field activity since a fractured right rib that sidelined him after May 31. Left-fielder Cody Bellinger completed a full pre-game workout, including defensive drills and base running, ahead of the series-opening loss to Toronto. Pitcher Carlos Rodón delivered a scoreless 4 1/3 -inning outing in Double-A Somerset, striking out seven and allowing two hits. These steps mark the latest phase of a broader rehabilitation effort affecting the Yankees’ core lineup and rotation.
Background & Context
Judge’s rib injury occurred in late April and kept the three-time AL MVP out after May 31. Bellinger suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain three weeks ago, while Rodón entered the 15-day injured list on July 3 with left-elbow inflammation following offseason surgery. Their absences have coincided with the Yankees posting the league’s second-worst OPS (.636) since the All-Star break.
Data & Statistics
- Aaron Judge: .248 average, 17 HR, 38 RBI, .907 OPS in 34 games before injury.
- Cody Bellinger: .259 average, .770 OPS, 11 HR, 53 RBI, 10 SB before the strain.
- Carlos Rodón: 4-2 record, 3.30 ERA, 52 K over 46 1/3 innings; rehab start – 58 pitches (41 strikes), 7 K, 0 runs.
Official Statements & Responses
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the team “expects” Judge to return but emphasized that the program is still in its early stages. Boone noted that Bellinger is on track for a possible rehab assignment next week. Regarding Rodón, Boone indicated the staff is evaluating schedule logistics and may consider a “piggyback” starter to ease him back into the rotation.
On-the-Ground Reports
Bellinger described his hamstring as “definitely still tight” but reported running “pretty much full speed” on the Rogers Centre turf and praised his defensive work with outfield coach Luis Rojas.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the timing of Rodón’s major-league activation. Some suggest another minor-league start may be required, while others leave the decision open pending schedule considerations. No definitive roster-expansion date beyond the standard September expansion has been confirmed for the players’ returns.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We expect him back, but we're in the early stages of baseball activity,” — Aaron Boone, manager
- “I was doing a lot of defense with [outfield/third base coach Luis Rojas] — breaking in, breaking back, first step was good,” — Cody Bellinger
What’s Next
The Yankees will evaluate Judge’s progress throughout the week and may schedule a short-term rehab assignment for Bellinger as early as next week. Rodón’s next start will be determined after the staff reviews his workload and the upcoming rotation calendar. Roster expansion later this month will allow the team to add up to two players, potentially easing the crunch created by the current injuries.
