New York Yankees receive positive update on Aaron Judge’s return
New York Yankees fans may soon see the return of Aaron Judge, who has been on the injured list since June 5 with a fractured rib. The team has played 83 games without the star right fielder, recording a 45-38 record during his absence. Before Judge’s injury, the AL East club held a 36-23 record.
There is a possibility that Judge could rejoin the lineup for the upcoming series opener against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday. However, both Judge and manager Aaron Boone have not confirmed a specific return date. Judge expressed his desire to return earlier, stating, “I wanted to be back June 1, but that didn’t happen.” He added that he would leave the decision of his return to the manager.
Judge’s Rehabilitation Progress
Judge has been actively involved in his rehabilitation process, which has included hitting off a tee, taking batting practice, running in the outfield, and performing various outfield drills. He recently took a significant step by participating in on-field batting practice at Petco Park before a game against the San Diego Padres. This marked his first on-field batting practice since being placed on the injured list in early June.
Despite this progress, Judge indicated that he views the batting practice as part of checking off necessary boxes for clearance, rather than a major milestone. He has also been ramping up his pregame work since joining the Yankees on their West Coast trip, which includes running the bases and continuing indoor batting practice.
Manager Boone mentioned earlier in the week that Judge’s return during the upcoming homestand, beginning Tuesday night against the Rockies, is “possible.” However, Judge emphasized the need to face live pitching at least “a couple of times” before his return. The Yankees do not anticipate him facing live pitching on Saturday or Sunday, which could make a Tuesday return less likely.
Addressing a Potential Rehab Assignment
Judge has consistently stated his preference to avoid a minor league rehab assignment. He reiterated this stance, questioning the purpose of such an assignment. “I don’t see a point,” Judge said regarding a rehab assignment. “Why waste at-bats? They haven’t told me they wanted me to do one, so we’ll see.”
Typically, players who have been sidelined for several months undergo a minor league rehab assignment as a final step before rejoining the major league team. However, players have the right to refuse a rehab assignment, as per the collective bargaining agreement, requiring written consent from players before such assignments. The Yankees are known for their cautious approach with players returning from extended absences, often requiring multiple checkpoints and rehab assignments.
If Judge does not participate in a minor league rehab assignment, the Yankees would need their own pitchers to provide him with live batting practice before games. Should this plan proceed with a couple of days of pregame live batting practice, a realistic timeline for his return could be next Friday against the New York Mets. This date coincides with the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, an event the Yankees plan to commemorate with several pregame ceremonies.
Judge, who served as Team USA’s captain in the World Baseball Classic, is expected to be a prominent figure in these ceremonies, regardless of whether he is playing. He reflected on the significance of the date, noting its impact on New Yorkers and the nation. The last time the Yankees played the Mets on September 11 was in 2021, an occasion that brought New York together.
Judge’s recovery has been from a stress fracture of the first rib on his right side, an injury that has kept him out for over three months. He compared the extended absence to an offseason, requiring him to build up his workload similar to spring training. He expressed confidence in his power and bat speed, believing that even if they are slightly off, it would still be beneficial to be back in the lineup. The Yankees are keen to have Judge back, as it would provide him with more than two weeks of regular-season action before the postseason begins.
Judge is scheduled to face live pitching at Yankee Stadium on Monday.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
