Judge to Travel with Yankees on West Coast Trip, Return Could Come in Early September

Aaron Judge, sidelined for three months with a stress fracture in his first rib, will join the Yankees for their upcoming road series against the Angels and Padres. He may return during the team's next homestand from September 8-13, though it remains unclear if he'll need a minor-league rehab assignment first. The Yankees are weighing whether to have him build up in game conditions or rely on simulated work before activating him.

Judge's three-month absence stems from a stress fracture in his right first rib, a significant injury for a player of his caliber. The Yankees have managed his recovery carefully, and his travel with the team marks a notable step forward in the process. He will be present for six games against the Angels and Padres, allowing the coaching staff to monitor his progress in a major league environment.

The decision on a minor-league rehab assignment remains open. Judge could potentially simulate game conditions through pregame work and advanced pitching machines that replicate major league offerings. The Yankees must weigh whether building up in actual game situations is necessary before activating him, or whether his simulated preparation will suffice for a return during the September 8-13 homestand against Colorado and the Mets.