Aaron Judge is moving closer to returning to the New York Yankees after spending the past three months on the Injured List with a rib injury.
The latest development is an encouraging one for New York. Judge will travel with the Yankees during their upcoming six-game West Coast trip and is expected to significantly increase his baseball activities as he works toward rejoining the lineup.
The Yankees began a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday before continuing their trip against the Athletics. Judge is not expected to be activated during the trip, but his increased workload represents another important step in his recovery.
Aaron Boone Says Judge Will Increase His Workload
Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided the latest update before Sunday’s game against the Boston Red Sox.
Boone indicated that Judge’s workload will become considerably more extensive during the road trip. The Yankees want him participating more regularly in pregame activities while beginning to face increased velocity as he prepares for major league pitching again.
Judge has been sidelined since May 31 because of the rib injury and is currently on the 60-day Injured List. He has remained around the Yankees throughout his recovery, including watching games from the dugout while continuing his rehabilitation work.
There is still no official date for his activation.
A return during the West Coast trip appears unlikely, making the Yankees’ following homestand a potential target if Judge continues progressing without setbacks.
Judge Believes He Can Return Without Rehab Assignment
One significant question surrounding Judge’s return is whether the Yankees will send him on a minor league rehabilitation assignment before activating him.
Judge does not believe he needs one.
The Yankees captain explained last week that he feels capable of preparing through cage work and other baseball activities with the major league club. Because he has remained with the team and around the daily game environment, Judge believes he can return directly once he feels physically prepared to play.
The final decision will involve Judge, Boone and the Yankees’ medical staff.
Judge’s absence has removed the most dangerous hitter from a New York lineup trying to remain in the American League postseason race.
Before the injury, Judge had played 59 games, hitting .248 with 17 home runs, 42 RBIs and a .908 OPS.
New York has managed to remain firmly in contention without him. The Yankees entered Monday at 78-59, sitting second in the AL East and 4.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays. They have also won six of their past 10 games.
The immediate priority remains getting Judge through the next stage of his rehabilitation.
Traveling with the Yankees, facing increased velocity and becoming more involved in full pregame work will provide a clearer indication of how close he is to returning. After three months without their captain in the lineup, the Yankees are finally moving toward the final stages of his comeback.
