NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge has made his way back to New York and might rejoin the Yankees’ lineup for Friday night’s game against Baltimore.
Having been out of action since early June due to a toe injury, Judge participated in another simulated game on Wednesday at the team’s complex in Tampa, Florida. Subsequently, he returned to New York City, as confirmed by manager Aaron Boone.
Addressing the media at Yankee Stadium after his team’s 3-1 victory against the New York Mets on Wednesday night, Boone stated that he is yet uncertain whether Judge will be taken off the injured list to face the AL East-leading Orioles on Friday.
“We’ll assess the situation tomorrow,” Boone stated. “I’m unsure whether he’ll go through a workout or if rehabilitation is still an option. At this point, I don’t have that information. Once I speak with him and confer with the trainers, we’ll devise a plan accordingly.”
Earlier in the day, the New York Post reported that Judge is expected to be activated on Friday unless an unexpected setback occurs.
Boone has consistently emphasized that the Yankees are approaching Judge’s situation day by day and are open to all possibilities, even considering a potential return without a minor league rehab assignment. Notably, the team has a day off on Thursday.
“I understand that he played again. It seems like things went well,” Boone stated on Wednesday afternoon. “Let’s gather all the information and see what tomorrow brings, and then we’ll make a decision based on that.”
Judge has been on the sidelines since June 3 when he suffered a ligament tear in his right big toe during a collision with the right-field fence while making a catch at Dodger Stadium.
Since the All-Star break, Aaron Judge’s recovery has been progressing rapidly. On Sunday at Yankee Stadium, he faced live pitching for the first time since his injury, engaging in a simulated game against teammate Jonathan Loáisiga, who is also in the rehab process after right elbow surgery. During the session, Judge saw 16 pitches, fouled off four, and did not put any balls in play.
Moreover, on Tuesday in Florida, Judge’s performance during another simulated game was remarkable, hitting a home run. Additionally, he demonstrated his fielding abilities and ran the bases, indicating positive signs of improvement.
Although Judge has acknowledged that he won’t be completely free of pain upon his return, the Yankees are hopeful that he will be able to play in right field rather than being limited to a designated hitter role.
The team’s performance has suffered in Judge’s absence, with a record of 19-23 since his injury in Los Angeles. Throughout his recovery, he underwent various treatments, including receiving two injections before gradually progressing to activities such as playing catch and taking light swings.
Notably, in the previous year, Judge achieved an American League record with 62 home runs. In the current season, he has been batting .291 with 19 home runs and 40 RBIs, showcasing his prowess in the first year of a massive $360 million, nine-year contract he signed last offseason.
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The Yankees’ record with Aaron Judge in the lineup is 30-19, showcasing his significant impact on the team’s performance. Additionally, earlier in the season, he missed 10 games due to a right hip strain, which he sustained while attempting to steal third base in Minnesota on his 31st birthday, April 26.