New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone offered an encouraging update Tuesday on the recovery of star outfielder Aaron Judge, who continues working his way back from a stress fracture in his first right rib.
Judge has been sidelined for an extended stretch, and the club has proceeded carefully with his rehabilitation. Boone noted that the slugger recently completed swing-related work in the pool at the team’s facility and is set to begin a formal hitting progression this week.
That step marks meaningful progress after weeks of gradual buildup. Boone expressed optimism based on how Judge has handled the increased workload so far.
“Hopefully it goes well,” Boone said. “The fact that he’s responded in this first week of added intensity as far as being allowed to do some things upper-body-wise – playing catch, running, it’s all part of his buildup.”
The comments came ahead of the Yankees’ series against the Baltimore Orioles and provided a measure of hope that Judge might still contribute before the regular season ends. Earlier this month, general manager Brian Cashman had acknowledged the possibility that the injury could keep Judge out for the remainder of the year, though the organization remained hopeful of a return.
“Like, is that possible? It’s always possible that things don’t go the way you want, but we currently are still very optimistic that he’s going to return,” Cashman said. “But there’s challenges with all that, too. … So I can’t rule out any of it.”
Judge first dealt with the injury around April 26 and continued playing through discomfort for about a month before the team placed him on the injured list. The cautious approach has defined his recovery path ever since.Last week he resumed playing catch. He has also received clearance for outdoor running and upper-body resistance training as part of the ongoing process.
Cashman indicated that a clearer timeline would emerge once Judge resumed more baseball-specific activities, which have been introduced in measured stages.
“It’s a pretty high likelihood and optimism that he fits that timeframe for him to get back and joins us,” Cashman said. “And that’s what I’m hoping and holding on to, and I know that’s what he believes, and I know that’s what the doctors believe. But it’s always a moving target, too.”
The Yankees have managed without their captain for a significant portion of the season, relying on other contributors while monitoring Judge’s steady advances. Boone’s latest remarks suggest the organization sees the recent pool work and upcoming hitting sessions as positive signs that the recovery remains on track.
Judge’s ability to respond well to the added intensity has given the coaching staff reason for measured confidence. The next phase involving hitting will provide further insight into how soon he might be ready for game action.
While no firm return date has been established, the combination of Boone’s update and Cashman’s earlier assessments points to continued optimism within the organization. The focus remains on ensuring Judge progresses without setbacks as the season enters its final stretch.
The Yankees will keep evaluating the situation daily, adjusting the plan based on how the slugger handles each new activity. Fans and teammates alike will be watching closely as Judge works through the remaining steps of his rehabilitation.
