Aaron Judge, the 34‑year‑old slugger who has been a cornerstone of the New York Yankees' lineup, was cleared this week to begin light baseball activities after follow‑up scans confirmed a stress fracture in his right ribs.
Manager Aaron Boone said the star outfielder is still limited to lower‑body work and neck exercises, with no upper‑body or overhead lifting allowed at this stage of his recovery.
A Timeline Still in Flux
Boone emphasized that while the progress is encouraging, the exact return date remains uncertain, with projections ranging from late July or early August to as far out as September, depending on how the next imaging studies turn out.
The Yankees have responded to Judge's absence by reshuffling their outfield and infield, promoting José Caballero to right field and giving Anthony Volpe increased duties at shortstop to help stabilize the defense.
Analysts expect the team's run production and RBI totals to feel the impact of Judge's prolonged absence, especially as the club navigates a competitive American League East race.
If the recovery does not accelerate, New York may have to rely on internal depth and strategic platoons for the remainder of the season, a scenario that could shape their postseason prospects.