Aaron Judge
Breakdown
Performance
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August 5, 2026
Cleared for light activities
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that Judge (rib) has been cleared to begin light activities, which includes outdoor running and upper-body resistance work, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.
Analysis
Though Judge hasn't been given the green light to take part in baseball activities, a return to light conditioning and strength work still amounts to a major step forward in his recovery process from a stress fracture of the first rib on the right side. The Yankees remain optimistic that Judge will be back from the 60-day injured list at some point later this season, but a more precise timeline for his return won't come into focus until he's further along in his rehab program. Judge has been on the shelf since June 5 due to the injury.
August 4, 2026
NY remains optimistic about return
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Monday that the team is "still very optimistic" that Judge (ribs) will return this season, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Cashman explained that "there's a very high likelihood" Judge will be able to recover from the fracture in his right ribs in time to play again this season but acknowledged that "there's challenges with all that too." Naturally, Judge's return could be impacted by New York's place in the standings, and the team currently sits 3.5 games out of first place in the AL East but a comfortable six games up for a wild-card spot. Judge hasn't played since May 31, and he's yet to resume baseball activities, so despite Cashman's optimism, the slugger doesn't appear anywhere close to rejoining the big-league club.