After months of agonizing uncertainty hanging over the New York Yankees about Aaron Judge’s return this season, Tuesday finally brought some real light. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Wednesday that after imaging on his injured rib Tuesday, Judge is officially cleared for “light activity.” This is the first positive step in a long, long time.
From No Timetable To Running: A Major Turn
This “light activity” isn’t just a casual stroll. We’re talking running and strength training, getting that body moving in a major way. Now, don’t get it twisted, he’s not swinging a bat yet. That’s the big one, the baseball activities everyone is waiting for. But seriously, this is a massive shift. Think about it: just a few days ago, on Sunday, Judge didn’t even have a timetable to get further imaging. Zero. Now? He’s had the imaging, and the results are encouraging enough for him to get outside and start working. Boone even said, “He’s been cleared to start some light activity in his progression back. With that’s getting outside and doing some running and resistance stuff in the weight room.” That’s not just hope, that’s real progress.
Postseason Hopes Get A Boost, But It Won’t Be Instant
Look, the Yankees want their three-time MVP healthy, and they need him in baseball shape if they’re gonna make a run for the postseason. Judge hasn’t played since May 31, sidelined with a stress fracture in his upper-right rib. That’s a huge chunk of the season he’s missed. The lengthy layoff means he’s basically in “offseason form” right now. When he finally gets the green light to swing a bat, he’ll need to re-hone all those skills to get back to game speed. Medical clearance is not the same as being ready to jump straight into the lineup. Boone made that clear, saying the light activity “will roll into, slowly but surely, hopefully, starting baseball activities.”
This is the first real movement since Judge hit the sideline, and you gotta think the Yankees faithful are breathing a massive sigh of relief. The next step is getting back to those baseball activities. You know Boone and the whole squad are itching to get their MVP back in game shape, even if it takes a minute.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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