Injury Update and Team Outlook
Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees captain, has been out of action since May 31 after a stress fracture was discovered in his right ribs. A recent scan during the All-Star break revealed a positive outlook, but the healing process is still incomplete, leaving the slugger without clearance for baseball activities.
Judge’s power numbers have dipped this season, sitting at a .248 batting average with 17 homers and 38 RBIs, and he managed only one homer in his last 18 games. The team’s performance has also felt his absence, slipping to 18‑19 since his last appearance after starting the year at 36‑23.
While Judge focuses on lower‑body work and has paused bicycle exercises, he remains adamant about avoiding a minor‑league rehabilitation assignment. The organization is waiting for another scan before granting him a full return to the diamond.
The injury list extends beyond Judge. Pitchers Max Fried and Carlos Rodón are each making incremental progress, with Fried slated for a rehab start for Triple‑A Scranton/Wilkes‑Barre and Rodón limited to a brief mound session. Giancarlo Stanton has begun a running progression outdoors, and Clarke Schmidt is scheduled to throw a batting‑practice inning soon.
Manager Aaron Boone continues to monitor the health of his roster closely, emphasizing that the Yankees must adapt while awaiting the star outfielder’s full recovery. The club’s depth will be tested as they aim to climb back into contention.