New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge took a significant step towards his return from injury by participating in on-field batting practice for the first time since being placed on the injured list on May 31 due to a stress fracture in his right rib. Despite the Yankees suffering a loss to the San Diego Padres in their series opener, the mood among fans was lifted by the sight of Judge swinging a bat again. His potential return is eagerly anticipated, with many speculating he could rejoin the lineup just in time for the postseason.
MLB's senior writer Bryan Hoch shared insights into Judge's recovery timeline, suggesting that September 11, coinciding with the opening game of the Subway Series against the New York Mets, could mark the day Judge is activated. This date holds significant emotional weight as it is the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, an event that profoundly affected New Yorkers and the entire nation. Judge himself acknowledged the importance of the day, stating, "If I’m playing or not playing, it’s going to be special. It’s going to be a big day. That impacted not only a lot of New Yorkers but the whole world and our whole country."
Following his batting practice, Judge spoke with reporters about his progress, revealing that he had been hitting in the cages since being cleared for baseball activities. The three-time American League MVP expressed his desire to return to the field during the Yankees' upcoming homestand, which includes games against both the Colorado Rockies and the Mets.
In addition to hitting, Judge is also focusing on other essential baseball activities. "We’re hitting all the baseball stuff. Throwing to bases, throwing, running the bases. Hitting, getting on the field, moving around. I think [we need to] face some live pitching and then I’ll get back out there," Judge explained. His proactive approach indicates a readiness to contribute to the Yankees as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
When asked about the possibility of a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the Yankees, Judge dismissed the idea, expressing his eagerness to return without wasting at-bats. "I don’t see a point. Why waste at-bats? They haven’t told me they wanted me to do one, so we’ll see," he stated. This confidence reflects his determination to make a meaningful impact as the Yankees push towards the postseason.
The Yankees find themselves in a competitive race for the American League East title, trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by just four games with only 21 games remaining in the regular season. The return of Judge, a key player for the team, could prove crucial in their efforts to close the gap and secure a playoff spot.
Leave a Comment