The New York Yankees lost Friday night’s game to the Toronto Blue Jays, but there was at least one encouraging development involving their injured captain. One of MLB‘s best players is back on the field.
According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, Aaron Judge played catch Friday for the first time since beginning his throwing progression. It’s another small but important step for Judge as he works his way back from his rib injury.
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Judge’s rehab is finally moving forward
Judge still has a considerable amount of work ahead of him before he can return to the Yankees lineup. Playing catch is only one part of the rehabilitation process, and he has yet to progress to full baseball activities.
Still, simply getting back to throwing represents another milestone in a recovery that has moved slowly.
Judge has been sidelined since May 31 with a fractured right rib and was transferred to the 60-day injured list after initially being placed on the injured list in June. Earlier this month, he was cleared to resume light activities, including outdoor running and upper-body resistance work.
The three-time American League MVP has remained confident throughout the process that he will return this season, saying earlier this month that he never considered the possibility of not playing again in 2026.
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Yankees desperately need their captain back
There may not be a more important player the Yankees could get back right now.
New York’s offense has struggled significantly since Judge went down, and the team is also still waiting on Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton to return from their respective injuries. Bellinger is currently further along in his recovery and could begin a rehab assignment soon.
Judge’s return, however, would provide the biggest boost of all. There is still no firm timetable for his return, but Friday’s throwing session is another indication that the Yankees’ captain is making progress.
For a team trying to position itself for October, every step matters—and Judge has finally taken another one.
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