Full Breakdown
Aaron Judge Nears Return as Yankees Prepare for Rockies Homestand
9/8/2026, 2:04:47 AM
Judge’s Imminent Return: Timeline and Status
Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ three-time AL MVP, has been on the injured list since a right-rib stress fracture was diagnosed in early June. He last appeared on May 31, a 13-8 win over Oakland. After rehab activities—including live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on a recent off-day—team officials indicate Judge could be activated during the upcoming three-game home series against the Colorado Rockies.
Recent Rehab Progress
Judge’s rehab has avoided a minor-league assignment, focusing on on-field batting practice, outfield drills, base-running and throwing with the major-league squad. On a Monday off-day he faced live pitching for the first time since his injury, a step he said must be repeated “a couple of times” before activation. The Yankees have also logged his defensive work and base-running during the recent West Coast road trip.
Impact on Yankees Performance
Since Judge’s absence, the Yankees are 45-39, improving to 81-62 and holding second place in the AL East, four games behind Tampa Bay and 2½ games ahead of Boston for the top wild-card spot. Offensively, the team’s metrics have slipped: wRC+ of 90, OPS of .681 and an average of 4.07 runs per game, the lowest among AL teams over the same span. Judge entered the season with a .248/.375/.533 slash line, 17 home runs and 38 RBIs in 59 games. His return is expected to boost a lineup that has struggled without its premier power hitter.
Official Statements & Responses
Aaron Boone emphasized flexibility in Judge’s activation, noting possibilities such as a limited-innings start or a brief appearance followed by a day of rest. Boone acknowledged the offense’s recent struggles, citing the lack of “your guy.” Judge reiterated his desire to avoid a traditional rehab assignment, saying he sees little point in “wasting at-bats” in the minors and will let the manager decide his role. Pitcher Gerrit Cole called Judge “a great player” and said his return would be “awesome.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on the earliest possible activation date. Some sources suggest Judge could appear in the lineup for the series opener against Colorado, while his own comment that he must face live pitching “a couple of times” before being cleared implies a later debut. No definitive roster decision has been announced, and the exact timing of his first at-bat remains uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wanted to be back June 1, but that didn’t happen,” — Aaron Judge
- “Maybe it’s playing a game and having an off day,” — Aaron Boone
- “I’m not too worried about the power or bat speed,” — Aaron Judge
What’s Next
The Yankees will open the Rockies series on Tuesday night, with right-hander Cam Schlittler slated to start for New York. If Judge is activated, the team may employ a gradual workload—potentially five to seven innings in his first game, followed by a rest day—to manage his rib recovery. The subsequent three-game series against the Mets will provide another chance to assess his durability as the postseason race tightens.
