Full Breakdown
Aaron Judge Pushes to Return Directly to the Majors Amid Rib Rehab
8/28/2026, 11:04:16 AM
Judge’s Rib Fracture and Rehab Progress
The New York Yankees’ right-fielder Aaron Judge has been sidelined since May 31 after a stress fracture in his first right rib. After a month of light activity, he began “dead-arm” batting practice on Tuesday, taking 15 overhand swings in the cage and adding running and outfield throwing. He has not yet faced high-velocity pitching; the club plans to use a velocity machine, a Trajekt simulator and eventually live pitching before a major-league return.
Yankees’ Offensive Struggles Without Judge
Since Judge’s absence, the Yankees have ranked near the bottom of the league in several offensive categories. From June 1 onward the team was 28th in runs scored, 30th in batting average, 28th in OPS and 29th in wRC+. The slump contributed to a 39-34 record in the 74 games he missed, though the squad remains 75-57 overall and holds a wild-card spot.
Manager Aaron Boone on Rehab Strategy
Aaron Boone emphasized that a traditional minor-league rehab assignment is not the only path back to game shape. He noted, “The biggest thing sometimes with rehabs is just building guys up and getting them used to playing and stuff,” and said creative alternatives—such as simulated at-bats in the cage—are being explored. Any decision will be made “collectively” once Judge reaches the appropriate milestones.
Judge’s Preference to Skip a Minor-League Assignment
Judge has said a rehab stint in Double-A or Triple-A would waste valuable at-bats. He pointed to his 2023 toe injury, when he also avoided a rehab assignment, as precedent. Judge also said he feels “great” and has experienced no setbacks, relying on how he feels rather than additional scans: “I was hesitant about getting a scan in the first place because usually they base everything off that.”
Timeline of Recovery Milestones
- Early August – Cleared for light physical activity and began indoor batting practice.
- Tuesday (date unspecified) – Completed first overhand batting-cage session (15 swings).
- Thursday – Planned additional batting-practice volume; next steps include high-velocity machine work and live pitching.
What’s Next for Judge and the Yankees
The Yankees expect Judge to be ready for a major-league appearance in September, according to MLB.com. When cleared, he will resume his role as the starting right fielder, with occasional designated-hitter duties to manage defensive load. Boone indicated Judge will likely not be asked to dive for balls initially, though Judge said he will “play smart” and will dive in a Game 7 scenario if needed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The biggest thing sometimes with rehabs is just building guys up and getting them used to playing and stuff,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager
- “Why waste at-bats? Why waste anything down in a minor league game?” — Aaron Judge, Yankees right fielder
- “I was hesitant about getting a scan in the first place because usually they base everything off that,” — Aaron Judge, Yankees right fielder
