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Aaron Judge Activated as Yankees Free Roster Spot

9/8/2026

Summary

Judge Reactivated

Aaron Judge was activated from the 60-day injured list on Monday night.
He opted for live batting practice instead of a minor-league rehab assignment.
His rib fracture from a diving catch in late April sidelined him for 84 games.
The Yankees designated Chase Hampton for assignment to free a roster spot for Judge.
Manager Aaron Boone said Judge could be eased in with five to seven innings before rest day.

Summary

Ramos Birthday

Yankees will open a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday.
Outfielder Heliot Ramos celebrated his 27th birthday on Monday.
Ramos, acquired Aug. 3 from the Giants, posted a .241 average, .693 OPS and a .252 career average in 2026.
He also logged 38 runs, 86 hits, 10 home runs, 38 RBIs and a .392 slugging percentage.

Summary

Yankees Pitching

The Yankees project a 12-pitcher postseason staff blending three starters and nine relievers.
The rotation lists Gerrit Cole, Cam Schlittler and Max Fried as three starters.
Relief includes David Bednar, Paul Blackburn, Will Warren, John Schreiber and Michael Fulmer.
John Schreiber joined the 40-man roster via waiver claim on Aug. 31, making him postseason-eligible.
Garrett Crochet, recovering from lat/shoulder issues, is listed as a possible bullpen addition.

History

Historical Context

After the 1998 Yankees overcame midseason rib injuries to Bernie Williams and added veteran David Cone, manager Joe Torre guided a 114-win squad to its 24th World Series title, cementing a dynasty of three straight championships. In 2024, Aaron Judge’s return from an 84-game rib fracture under manager Aaron Boone echoes that historic reliance on star players to sustain playoff hopes.

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Judge Reactivated

Aaron Judge was activated from the 60-day injured list on Monday night.
He opted for live batting practice instead of a minor-league rehab assignment.
His rib fracture from a diving catch in late April sidelined him for 84 games.
The Yankees designated Chase Hampton for assignment to free a roster spot for Judge.
Manager Aaron Boone said Judge could be eased in with five to seven innings before rest day.

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