Aaron Judge remains sidelined as his rib injury continues to mend, with the New York Yankees still waiting for a definitive medical clearance before he can rejoin the lineup.
Prospects and Rehab Milestones
George Lombard Jr., currently ranked No. 24 on Baseball Prospectus' mid‑year Top 50 list, returned to Triple‑A action and immediately demonstrated his power by homering in his first game back.
Right‑hander Max Fried made his first rehabilitation appearance, throwing three innings and allowing two runs, and the Yankees have indicated he will need at least one more rehab start before a final activation decision.
The organization is also exploring trade possibilities for the catcher position, with Hunter Goodman of the Rockies emerging as a candidate; Goodman boasts a 118 wRC+ and has contributed solidly both at the plate and behind it in 2026.
While the club weighs these moves, the broader picture remains focused on restoring Judge to full health and integrating emerging talent to sustain competitiveness throughout the season.