Judge Cleared to Rejoin Yankees After Three-Month Absence
The Yankees have activated Aaron Judge from the 60-day injured list, clearing him to return to the lineup Tuesday against Colorado. Judge had been out since May 31 with a stress fracture in his right rib. He was hitting .248 with 17 homers and 38 RBIs in 59 games before the injury.
To accommodate Judge's return, the Yankees designated right-handed pitcher Chase Hampton for assignment. Judge's absence stemmed from a stress fracture in his first right rib, an injury that kept him out of action since the end of May.
Despite playing without their captain for three months, New York has maintained a competitive 81-62 record, trailing Tampa Bay by four games in the division while securing a wild-card position. Before his injury, Judge contributed a .248 average with 17 homers and 38 RBIs across 59 contests, offering the middle of the order a much-needed power boost.
Judge's return could significantly alter the American League playoff landscape, potentially boosting the Yankees' chances of catching Tampa Bay while solidifying their wild-card position. For fans and broadcasters, his presence may restore a marquee draw to the nightly slate, increasing viewership and engagement during the season's critical final weeks. Additionally, his recovery from a rib stress fracture may highlight the ongoing importance of careful injury management for star players across the league.