Aaron Judge’s return gives the Yankees a boost at a demanding point of the season. New York activated its captain on Monday after he missed more than three months with a rib stress fracture. Judge returned Tuesday against Colorado, batting third and starting in right field at Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees entered the series 81-62, four games behind Tampa Bay in the American League East. Their offense had improved, but Judge’s absence remained a weakness. His return restores the MVP to the middle of a lineup chasing October positioning. It also arrives with no margin for wasted games as September moves on.
Judge’s return changes the Yankees’ lineup immediately
Judge had not played since May 31, when the rib injury forced him out after he had posted a .248/.375/.533 slash line with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs in 59 games. He was placed on the injured list on June 5 and later transferred to the 60-day IL as his recovery stretched into the second half.
Judge believes the injury originated with a diving play on April 26 in Houston. He continued playing through discomfort for several weeks before the stress fracture was diagnosed, forcing him out of the lineup.
The Yankees went 45-39 without Judge through Sept. 7, compared with 36-23 in games he played. Their offense also declined during his absence, with the Yankees averaging fewer runs and posting a lower OPS than they did before the injury.
Judge’s return was carefully managed. He started in right field against Colorado on Sept. 8 but was removed after six innings as the Yankees gradually increased his workload following his 84-game absence.
The timing puts pressure on every remaining series
New York entered Sept. 8 at 81-62, sitting four games behind the Rays in the AL East while holding a two-game lead over Boston for the top American League Wild Card position. The Yankees remained firmly in the postseason picture while chasing Tampa Bay for the division.
The Yankees also had other roster complications. Trent Grisham had recently landed on the injured list with a right hamstring strain, while Giancarlo Stanton remained sidelined. Those absences increased the importance of Judge’s return to the lineup.
Cody Bellinger, Luis GarcÃa Jr., Ben Rice and younger players such as Spencer Jones helped carry the offense while Judge was out. His return restored a major right-handed bat to a lineup that had adjusted to his absence.
New York opened its homestand against Colorado on Sept. 8 before beginning a three-game Subway Series against the Mets. The Yankees then head to Minnesota for a series against the Twins.
Judge’s workload matters as much as his bat
Judge’s return came without a Minor League rehab assignment, a path he had preferred throughout the recovery. Instead, he progressed through tee-and-toss work, overhand batting practice, velocity training, running, throwing, and outfield drills before facing live pitching on Monday.
That progression mattered because Judge had endured an extended offseason due to the injury. He said the hardest part was sitting out, while the Yankees focused on rebuilding his workload rather than simply clearing him for one game.
The Yankees intend to use Judge in right field rather than simply placing him at designated hitter. That decision reflects the club’s roster construction and preserves the DH spot for other bats while restoring Judge’s defensive value and allowing the lineup to function with greater flexibility.
The return carries a defensive caution because the rib fracture was connected to a diving attempt. Boone said Judge would be encouraged to be smart about such plays, while Judge made clear that he remains willing to put his body on the line when the stakes become highest.
Fun fact: Before becoming a Yankees superstar, Aaron Judge was a standout three-sport athlete who turned down football opportunities at Stanford, UCLA, and Notre Dame.
What Judge’s return means for the Yankees’ stretch run
Judge doesn’t have to reproduce his pre-injury numbers immediately for the Yankees to benefit. His presence changes how opposing pitchers approach the lineup and gives manager Aaron Boone another major right-handed bat for the stretch run.
Boone has repeatedly emphasized Judge’s importance to the Yankees, while teammates have welcomed the return of their captain after his extended absence.
The Yankees also showed offensive improvement around the time of Judge’s return. Cody Bellinger, Ben Rice, Luis GarcÃa Jr. and younger players such as Spencer Jones contributed as New York moved deeper into the playoff race.
Judge missed 84 games before returning Sept. 8. After three games back, he was 3-for-10, and the Yankees continued to manage his workload, including using him as the designated hitter on Sept. 12.
TL;DR
- Aaron Judge returned Sept. 8 after missing 84 games with a right rib stress fracture.
- The Yankees entered his return four games behind Tampa Bay in the AL East.
- Judge skipped a Minor League rehab assignment and initially returned as the starting right fielder.
- He was 3-for-10 through his first three games back.
- The Yankees are carefully managing his workload as they navigate the September playoff race.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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