The New York Yankees announced Monday that Aaron Judge, the team’s captain and three‑time MVP, has been activated from the 60‑day injured list. Judge’s return comes after a three‑month recovery from a stress fracture in his right rib, an injury that kept him out for the entire summer.
Injury background and recovery
Judge, 34, last appeared in a game on May 31. Initially diagnosed as a bone bruise, later scans confirmed a full‑scale stress fracture. In June, Judge said he believed the injury occurred on a diving play at Houston in late April, which also caused discomfort in his right (throwing) shoulder. He did not resume playing catch until mid‑August, after a period of outdoor running and light baseball activities.
Impact on the Yankees
The Yankees sit at 81‑62, four games behind the first‑place Tampa Bay Rays and two games ahead of the Boston Red Sox in the fiercely competitive American League East. Judge’s return adds a powerful bat and a veteran leader to a lineup that has been missing his production for 84 games.
Before the injury, Judge appeared in 59 games, posting a .248 batting average with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs. While those numbers are modest compared to his career highs, his presence in the middle of the order provides a significant lift to the Yankees’ offensive potential as they head into a home series against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday.
Roster move to make room
To clear a spot on the 40‑man roster for Judge, the Yankees designated right‑handed pitching prospect Chase Hampton for assignment. Hampton, who split the 2026 season among three minor‑league levels, most recently pitched at Double‑A Somerset. He posted an 0‑6 record with an 8.18 ERA in 17 starts, indicating that his performance did not merit a roster spot at this juncture.
What’s next for Judge and the Yankees
Judge’s activation does not guarantee an immediate return to his pre‑injury form, but his track record suggests he can quickly regain his power and plate discipline. The Yankees will likely ease him back into the lineup, perhaps with a few days of limited at‑bats before giving him a full role.
For the team, Judge’s return is a timely boost as the AL East race tightens. The Yankees will need every extra run to close the gap on the Rays and maintain their advantage over the Red Sox. Fans in the Bronx can look forward to seeing their star slugger back in Yankee Stadium, a morale lift that aligns with the club’s tradition of fielding a competitive, family‑oriented team.
Broader context
Judge’s comeback underscores the importance of player health management in a long season. The Yankees’ medical staff and coaching staff have worked diligently to ensure he returns safely, reflecting the organization’s commitment to both performance and player welfare.
As the Yankees prepare for the upcoming series against Colorado, all eyes will be on Judge to see how quickly he can contribute to the team’s push for the postseason. His return is a reminder that even in a demanding schedule, perseverance and proper care can bring a star player back to the field when his team needs him most.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
