After a hiatus exceeding three months due to injury, Aaron Judge is set to take the field again. The New York Yankees have officially announced Judge's reinstatement from the 60-day injured list just ahead of their matchup against the Rockies.
Judge's injury—a right rib stress fracture—was reportedly sustained on April 26 when he attempted a diving catch in right field. His decision to continue playing through this discomfort resulted in a disappointing .528 OPS in the 57 plate appearances before he was ultimately placed on the IL on June 3, just three days after New York put him on the 15-day list.
Initially, the prognosis estimated Judge would be sidelined for roughly 4-6 weeks, but his recovery was hampered by persistent soreness, extending his absence to more than half the season. The Yankees transitioned him to the 60-day IL on July 18, pushing back any potential return until at least early August. It wasn't until now that he received clearance to return to active gameplay.
The final step in his comeback came with a live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium. Despite being out for so long, Judge indicated he didn't see the necessity for a minor league rehab stint and plans to jump right back into competitive play.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone mentioned that there might be a gradual reintegration for Judge, stating he wouldn't be expected to play full games immediately. Boone hinted at the possibility of Judge participating in some games while taking breaks, suggesting a plan to ease him back into the rhythm of regular play. “Maybe it’s playing a game, having an off day,” Boone explained, indicating that the team is considering a flexible approach to his usage.
In Judge's absence, Ben Rice has filled the designated hitter role, with Luis Garcia Jr. primarily stationed at first base. Given Garcia's struggles against lefties, Judge might step in as DH during those matchups, allowing Rice to play first base. Conversely, when facing right-handed pitchers, the Yankees may employ a lineup featuring Rice, Garcia, and Judge together.
With Trent Grisham currently on the injured list, the most likely outfield setup for New York includes Judge in right field, Spencer Jones in center, and Cody Bellinger in left. Other options such as Jasson Dominguez and Heliot Ramos provide additional depth for the outfield.
With Giancarlo Stanton's season potentially over, the Yankees find themselves with a bit more flexibility in the DH slot. The Rice-Garcia duo has managed to cover this position admirably in Judge's absence, but his return changes the team's dynamic significantly.
The Yankees currently trail the Rays by four games in the AL East. With several crucial head-to-head matchups remaining, the team is not only looking to clinch the division title but also aims to maintain its lead over the Red Sox for the top AL wild-card spot. Although their exact playoff position remains uncertain, postseason participation seems imminent, making Judge’s health paramount for a successful October.
Prior to his injury, the Yankees had amassed a commendable 36-23 record. Without their star, they have posted a 45-39 record, suggesting that the team's strength lies in its pitching staff, which has continued to perform solidly. However, offensive production has dwindled significantly over the past few months, with the team posting just a .227 batting average since June 1, one of the lower marks in the league.
As the Yankees navigate injuries to crucial players like Stanton and Grisham, bringing back Judge could prove essential for their aspirations in the playoffs. The pitching has been effective enough to support a serious title contention, but having Judge back in the lineup undoubtedly elevates the overall performance of the roster.
Looking at the depth chart, Chase Hampton, a sixth-round pick from 2022, found himself in a tough spot recently and was designated for assignment. Coming off an injury and struggling over the past season, he may benefit from a change in scenery as he attempts to revitalize his career after not finding much success.