The New York Yankees are about to get their superstar slugger back. Aaron Judge has recovered from a right elbow flexor strain and is set to rejoin the team.
The Yankees, struggling in the standings and searching for any spark, will activate Judge on Tuesday. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the news after Monday night’s extra-inning loss to the Texas Rangers.
Fans have waited anxiously for Judge’s return, and honestly, it’s felt like forever. The reigning American League MVP has been out since July 25 because of that flexor strain in his right elbow.
He spent 10 days on the injured list and got a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on July 27. Now, after some extra treatment, Judge is ready to get back out there.
His activation comes at a crucial time. The Yankees have gone just 4-7 without him and have fallen from first to third in the AL East.
They’re now trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by 5½ games, with only 49 games left in the regular season. Getting Judge back feels urgent at this point.
Aaron Judge’s Comeback: What We Know
Judge is expected to ease back in as the designated hitter (DH) for now. The Yankees will see how he feels over the next few games against the Rangers before deciding when he’ll return to the outfield.
It’s a smart move—let him hit, but don’t risk his elbow just yet. Before rejoining the team, Judge spent time at the Yankees’ training complex in Tampa, Florida, facing minor league pitchers.
He then met up with the team in Texas ahead of their three-game series with the Rangers. The stage is set for his much-anticipated comeback.
Judge’s Numbers Speak for Themselves
Even after missing a chunk of the season, Judge’s stats look ridiculous. He’s still batting .342, the best in the majors, and sits near the top in home runs and RBIs.
With 37 homers (fourth) and 85 RBIs (fifth), he’s bringing some serious firepower back to the lineup. The Yankees have struggled at the plate without him, and his return could really shake things up.
With Judge back in the middle of the order, there’s hope the offense can finally get rolling again. Maybe, just maybe, this is the push they need for a playoff run.
How the Yankees’ Lineup Will Adjust
Judge coming back as the DH means the lineup will shuffle a bit. Giancarlo Stanton, who’s been the DH most of the year, won’t be heading to the outfield while Judge is still easing in.
Stanton’s own injury history and defensive struggles make that decision pretty understandable. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge’s return lines up with outfielder Austin Slater heading to the injured list with a hamstring issue.
That opens up a spot for Judge, but also highlights how injuries keep hitting the Yankees at the worst times. It’s been a tough stretch.
What’s at Stake for the Yankees
The Yankees started July leading the AL East, but a four-game skid and some pretty flat performances have dropped them to third place. Now they’re chasing the Blue Jays and Rays with less than 50 games to go.
Judge’s return is a shot at stopping the slide and maybe sparking a late-season surge. And let’s be honest, his presence means more than just numbers—he brings a jolt of energy and leadership that this team sorely needs.
Key Takeaways
- Aaron Judge returns Tuesday: He’s back after a flexor strain and will start as the DH.
- Yankees’ struggles without Judge: The team went 4-7 while he was out and dropped to third in the AL East.
- Strong numbers despite the layoff: Judge still leads MLB with a .342 average, 37 homers, and 85 RBIs.
- Lineup reshuffle: Stanton sticks at DH for now, and they’re keeping an eye on when Judge will play the outfield again.
The Yankees are hoping Judge can get back to his old self and help both at the plate and in the field.
They’re heading into the last stretch of the season, and honestly, Judge’s impact could make or break their run.
Right now, Texas is the focus—and everyone’s watching as the big guy in pinstripes steps back into the spotlight.
Here is the source article for this story: Boone: Judge returning to Yanks’ lineup Tuesday
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s