The New York Yankees have been without superstar right fielder Aaron Judge since May 31. Judge suffered a stress fracture in his right rib and was originally placed on the 10-day injured list before eventually moving to the 60-day injured list.
Before going down, the 34-year-old veteran was as dominant as ever, posting a .248 batting average, .375 on-base percentage, .907 OPS, 17 home runs and 38 RBIs across 59 games.
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The Yankees offense has been struggling, ranking as the worst team in baseball in runs scored during the month of August. They need Judge back in the lineup as soon as possible.
He has been participating in light baseball activities as he ramps up toward a potential return before October, and ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, manager Aaron Boone provided a massive update on his progress.
“Aaron Judge will begin his hitting progression this week,” Boone said, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.
With Judge set to begin hitting this week, the next step will likely include a rehab assignment. Given how much time and game action he has missed, that stint could be a lengthy one, but seeing Judge make this much progress is enormous for a Yankees team that has been searching for offensive answers all month.
With Judge back in the lineup alongside Cody Bellinger, who is also nearing his return, and Giancarlo Stanton, who is progressing as well, the Yankees lineup could be completely rejuvenated in the coming weeks.
Getting all three of those bats back at the same time would reinsert New York as true contenders in the American League and give the offense the kind of firepower it was expected to have when the season began.
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