Aaron Judge remains sidelined as a fractured rib sustained in late April has yet to fully mend, keeping the slugger out of the lineup since May 31. A recent scan shows partial healing of the rib, but the injury still restricts him to light exercises and prevents any baseball activities.
Looking Ahead
Manager Aaron Boone has voiced cautious optimism that the star outfielder could still make an impact before the season wraps, even as the team awaits a specialist’s recommendation on the next phase of treatment.
The Yankees have been navigating a cascade of injuries, with Giancarlo Stanton nursing a calf strain since April 24, Max Fried battling an elbow issue since mid‑May, and Carlos Rodón dealing with a similar elbow problem since early July.
General manager Brian Cashman has suggested that Judge may have exacerbated the rib problem by continuing to play through the pain, a factor that has contributed to a noticeable dip in his production after an early‑season surge.
Historical records show that Judge has previously managed stress fractures and a partially collapsed lung in 2020, yet he managed to avoid missing games during the pandemic‑shortened season, highlighting both his durability and the fragility of his recent health challenges.
Meanwhile, the club expects right‑hander Max Fried to be the first of the injured trio to return, with the pitcher slated to throw about 50 pitches in a rehab start on Friday before potentially rejoining the rotation within a week.