Three-time American League MVP Aaron Judge just got the green light to start running, a massive step forward after being sidelined with a ribcage fracture since May 31. Not only that, Judge himself reiterated Wednesday he fully believes he’ll be back on the field this season, telling reporters he just got his scan yesterday.
"I’ll See You Outside": Judge’s Road Back
We haven’t seen Judge in a game since May 31, and it’s been a frustrating wait with zero firm timetables for his return. But "light activity" and "running" are real actions, not just hopeful whispers. Judge, ever the competitor, didn’t waste a second, saying, "The minute they said, ‘Alright, we’re going to start running,’ I said, ‘OK, I’ll see you outside.’" That’s the spirit we love to see from a superstar battling back! Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed the news, adding that Judge can also start upper-body resistance exercises in the weight room. While he’s not throwing or swinging a bat just yet, any physical activity marks progress, especially after being totally shut down. Yeah, the lack of a "four to six weeks" timeline is a bummer, but getting cleared for running is the biggest news in months.
The Judge Effect: Yankees’ Offense Needs Him Badly
It’s no secret how much the Yankees have missed Judge. This guy was the best hitter in baseball from 2022-24, crushing a combined .311/.439/.677 with a ridiculous 208 OPS+. We’re talking 162-game averages of 59 home runs and 131 RBI, pure dominance. Even "down" before his injury this season, he was still posting a .248/.375/.533 line with a 151 OPS+ and 17 homers in just 59 games. That’s 51% better than league average, for crying out loud!
The team’s record tells the whole story: they were 36-23 when he went down. Since then, heading into Wednesday night’s game, they’ve gone a pedestrian 28-27. Their offense has been absolutely gutted, with Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and now Cody Bellinger all on the IL. When Judge was healthy, the Yankees averaged a solid 5.17 runs per game. Since May 31, that number has plummeted to a mere 3.93 runs per game. They need that bat back in the lineup, full stop.
Looking Ahead: The Push Continues
This is a huge psychological boost for the Yankees, even without a firm date for his return. Getting their three-time AL MVP back in action, even in a limited capacity, signals that the big bat is coming. We’re still waiting on that "when," but the "if" is gone. Let’s see how quickly Judge can ramp up these activities. His return could totally change the trajectory for this struggling offense and give them the spark they desperately need for the rest of the season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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