Aaron Judge took part in baseball activities again, playing catch on Friday for the first time since his rib injury sidelined him. The New York Yankees’ star right fielder has been dealing with a stress fracture in his right rib since June 2. Judge’s return to the field marks another step forward in his rehabilitation process after being placed on the injured list in June. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Judge also ran on Friday, although he did not provide further details about the next stages of his recovery.
Boone said that Judge was working his way back into baseball activities but emphasized that there is still healing to be done, according to courant.com. Judge has not yet returned to full baseball activities, which include more advanced training and conditioning, according to a report from The Big Lead. The Yankees’ captain had been cleared for light activities earlier this month, including running and resistance exercises.
Despite not having a clear return date, Judge has remained optimistic about returning this season. Boone noted that Judge prefers to keep details about his recovery private and did not require another imaging scan before resuming throwing. There is still uncertainty about whether Judge’s rib injury will be fully healed in time for the playoffs, which are approaching.
The Yankees have struggled offensively since Judge went down on May 31, with other key players like Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton also sidelined. Bellinger is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon, while Stanton’s return remains uncertain but he has been active in training.
Boone avoided giving a specific timeline for Judge’s return, saying only that it could happen and that the team is hopeful. Judge’s comeback is seen as vital to the Yankees’ chances of competing in October.
The team continues to monitor his progress closely, especially with a limited window before the postseason begins. Judge’s return to throwing and running shows that he is moving forward in his recovery, even if full participation remains days or weeks away.
Fans have been eager for updates on Judge’s status since the injury occurred in June, Newsday reported. Boone’s responses to reporters were vague when asked about a return timeline, reflecting his usual approach to sharing information.
The Yankees are hoping Judge can return before the end of the season, but no official date has been set yet. With other players like Bellinger and Stanton also expected to return soon, the Yankees are trying to rebuild their lineup strength.
IMAGE: Aaron Judge. Photo: Arturo Pardavila on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0