Aaron Judge Aims to Bypass Minor League Rehab Before Yankees Return

Aaron Judge is seeking to avoid a minor league rehabilitation assignment as he nears three months of recovery from a stress fracture in his right rib. The New York Yankees captain expressed confidence in his readiness to return to play, stating that he has been actively involved in games from the dugout.

Judge previously skipped a rehab assignment in 2023 after missing 42 games due to a fractured right big toe. He has resumed taking swings in batting cages and has started running and throwing in the outfield. Although he did not specify a return date, he reported feeling normal soreness and no setbacks in his recovery.

As of Thursday, Judge has missed 74 games since his last appearance on May 31, during which the Yankees have a record of 39-34. He had been performing well prior to his injury, hitting .263 with seven home runs in 31 games. Judge aims to build up his volume in preparation for a strong finish to the season.