The New York Yankees activated Aaron Judge from the 60-day injured list on Monday, clearing the way for the three-time MVP to return from a three-month absence when they host the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday.
Judge, 34, has been sidelined since May 31 with a stress fracture in his right rib that initially was misdiagnosed as a bone bruise. The injury occurred during a diving play at Houston on April 26, Judge said in June, and caused pain in his throwing shoulder that lingered for weeks.
The captain missed 84 games during a critical stretch of the season. He didn't resume playing catch until mid-August after previously returning to outdoor running and light baseball activities. Judge took part in a live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium on Monday, the apparent final step before his return.
Judge's comeback arrives at a pivotal moment for the Yankees, who sit at 81-62 and trail the first-place Tampa Bay Rays by four games in the competitive American League East. They hold a two-game lead over the Boston Red Sox as the division race intensifies in the final weeks.
Before the injury, Judge struggled through 59 games with a .248 batting average, 17 home runs and 38 RBIs. His .528 OPS in the 57 plate appearances leading up to his IL placement suggested he was playing through discomfort from the rib issue.
Manager Aaron Boone indicated Judge won't immediately return to full everyday duty. "Maybe it's playing a game, having an off day. Maybe it is playing 5, 6, 7 innings in a game and get him out. Those things are on the table," Boone told reporters over the weekend.
Judge has consistently downplayed the need for a minor league rehabilitation assignment, opting to jump directly into game action despite the extended layoff. The Yankees initially projected a 4-6 week absence when Judge first went on the IL, but lingering soreness delayed his return for months.
To make room for Judge's activation, the Yankees designated right-handed pitching prospect Chase Hampton for assignment. Hampton went 0-6 with an 8.18 ERA in 17 starts across three minor league levels this season, reaching as high as Double-A Somerset.
The Yankees also optioned right-hander Elmer Rodriguez to Triple-A on Sunday. Ben Rice has been handling the majority of designated hitter duties in Judge's absence, with Luis Garcia Jr. also seeing time at the position.
Judge's return provides a significant boost to a Yankees lineup that has managed to stay competitive during his absence. The team moved him to the 60-day IL on July 18, ensuring he couldn't return until at least early August, but continued soreness pushed his comeback into September.
The stress fracture represents the latest in a series of injuries that have affected Judge's availability over recent seasons. His return comes as the Yankees push for their first division title since 2019, with just over three weeks remaining in the regular season.
