Full Breakdown
Aaron Judge Returns to Yankees as Team Eyes Postseason Push
9/8/2026, 5:53:44 AM
Activation Marks End of Three-Month Absence
The New York Yankees reinstated right-fielder Aaron Judge from the 60-day injured list on Monday night, making him eligible for Tuesday’s home game against the Colorado Rockies. Judge missed his last game on May 31 after a stress fracture in his right first rib forced a prolonged stay on the injured list. The activation adds the three-time AL MVP back to a lineup with 19 games left in the regular season.
Background to the Rib Injury
Judge sustained the rib injury while attempting a diving catch in Houston on April 26. He continued to play through the pain until the fracture was confirmed, leading to his placement on the injured list after the May 31 loss to Oakland. He began a gradual ramp-up in August, taking batting practice in San Diego and later facing live pitching at Yankee Stadium.
Impact of Judge’s Absence on Team Performance
- Record with Judge (through May 31): 36-23.
- Record without Judge: 45-39.
- Team batting average fell from .243 to .227, dropping the Yankees to 29th of 30 teams.
- OPS declined from .770 to .681.
- Runs per game fell to 4.06, ranking 26th in the league.
Despite the dip, the Yankees remained 81-62, trailing the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays by four games and holding a two-game lead over the Boston Red Sox for the top wild-card spot.
Roster Moves to Accommodate Return
To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated right-hander Chase Hampton for assignment and optioned right-hander Elmer Rodríguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The club also retains the option to recall pitcher Brendan Beck if needed.
Official Statements & Responses
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the team used “more creative ways” to build Judge’s stamina for a September postseason run and emphasized that a minor-league rehab assignment was unnecessary. He added that the club will treat the next few days as a de-facto rehab, potentially limiting Judge’s innings early on.
Judge expressed confidence that he was ready, stating, “If I tell them I’m ready to go play, I think we’re ready to go play.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of games missed: US News reports 84 games without Judge, while Fox News cites 83. No source provides a projection of Judge’s expected performance post-activation.
What It Means for the Playoff Race
The Yankees retain the league-best 3.05 ERA and a rotation anchored by Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón. Judge’s return restores a right-handed power bat to the lineup, improving run production and protecting other hitters. With the team still four games behind the Rays and two games ahead of the Red Sox for the wild-card, the added offensive threat could be decisive in the final stretch toward the postseason.
