Judge Goes Hitless in Six-Inning Return to Yankees Lineup
Aaron Judge played his first game since May 31, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts before being replaced in the sixth inning. The Yankees are easing him back after a stress fracture in his right rib, with manager Aaron Boone confirming a cautious approach for the first week. New York remains in playoff position, holding the top AL Wild Card spot.
Judge's return was limited to six innings, with Heliot Ramos taking over in the field. Despite a warm ovation from the home crowd, he finished the night without a hit in three trips, striking out twice. Manager Aaron Boone had already signaled that a cautious, gradual ramp-up was the plan for the first week.
The Yankees sit at 81-62, trailing Tampa Bay by four games in the AL East while holding the top wild-card berth. Before the injury, Judge was producing at an MVP level, accumulating 17 homers and a .907 OPS across 59 games, making his eventual return vital for the postseason push.
Judge's gradual reintegration could significantly shape the Yankees' postseason trajectory, potentially altering the AL Wild Card race and the team's chances of a deep run. His return may also boost fan morale and viewership as the playoffs approach. Furthermore, the cautious management of his injury could influence how other clubs handle similar high-profile player recoveries, balancing immediate competitive needs with long-term health.