Aaron Judge Activated by Yankees as AL East Race Enters Final Stretch

The New York Yankees activated captain Aaron Judge from the 60-day injured list, bringing the superstar right fielder back to the lineup just one day after he took live batting practice for the first time since fracturing a rib in late May. The move comes as the club chases the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays in a tight American League East race.

Manager Aaron Boone had stopped short of naming a return date over the weekend, describing Judge’s rehabilitation as being in its “endgame.” The team apparently saw enough during Saturday’s on-field session, announcing the activation late Sunday night. Reports suggest the club may ease Judge back gradually, potentially limiting him to six or seven innings in the field initially rather than full games.

Judge had been sidelined since May 31 with the stress fracture in his rib, a lengthy absence for a player whose production has historically anchored the middle of the Yankees’ order. His return is the most significant roster development of September in the division race.

Stanton Update and Roster Moves

There may be a second power bat on the way. Giancarlo Stanton, whose season was widely presumed over after a third calf sprain on August 22, has resumed hitting in the cage, per Boone, who said the team will “see” whether he can return this year. His path to playing time is complicated, however, with Ben Rice, Luis García Jr., and Paul Goldschmidt occupying first base and designated hitter roles.

In a corresponding move, the Yankees optioned pitcher Elmer Rodríguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Sunday’s loss, ending a brief stretch operating with a six-man rotation. Rodríguez’s option opened the roster spot for Judge.

The club also noted the passing of former right-handed pitcher Rollie Sheldon, a two-time World Series champion with the Yankees, who died August 31 at age 89 after also pitching for the Kansas City Athletics and Boston Red Sox.

Judge’s return arrives during the final weeks of the regular season, a period when MLB clubs and their broadcast partners — including Comcast (CMCSA, $26.49, down 0.38% from a prior close of $26.59; market cap approximately $94.4 billion) — typically see heightened viewership attention as pennant races tighten.

What to watch

• Judge’s workload in his first games back, including whether the club limits his innings in the field
• The Yankees’ standing in the AL East as they face the division-leading Rays
• Whether Stanton progresses to on-field activity and a potential late-season return
• Upcoming Yankees roster moves as September expands and the postseason approaches

Source: original release