Aaron Judge Injury Update: Yankees Star Eyes September Return Amid 94-Win Pace

Aaron Judge has been cleared for baseball activities following a rib stress fracture, while the Yankees offense ranks 30th in batting average during his absence.

The New York Yankees enter late August 2026 in second place in the American League East, trailing the Tampa Bay Rays who hold a 6-3 season series lead. This follows a 2025 campaign where New York finished with 94 wins but lost the division tiebreaker to the Toronto Blue Jays. Currently, the Yankees offense struggles without their three-time MVP, ranking 28th in runs scored, 28th in OPS, 29th in wRC+, and 30th in batting average since his departure. The team now prepares for a pivotal four-game series against the Boston Red Sox in the Bronx while managing a roster second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. labeled the "IL team."

Aaron Judge Injury Recovery Timeline

Aaron Judge has not played since May 31 due to a stress fracture in his first right rib, an injury sustained diving for a ball in April. After playing through pain for over a month, he was sidelined for nearly three months. On Wednesday, Judge progressed from tee work and soft toss to hitting against overhand pitches in a batting cage. His recovery includes shagging balls in the outfield, agility drills, and playing catch. While the team schedule suggests a rehab assignment, Judge stated on Thursday that he intends to skip minor-league games in Double-A or Triple-A, citing his successful return from a 2023 big toe sprain without a rehab stint.

Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Judge will return to right field with occasional days as a designated hitter. Judge previously suffered a similar rib injury and a partially collapsed lung in September 2019, which went undiagnosed until March 2020. During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he posted a .257 average with nine home runs and an .891 OPS across 28 games. The current best-case scenario for his return is the second week of September.

Pitching Staff and Max Fried Status

Max Fried, who holds a 2.81 ERA through 15 starts this season, is eligible to return from the 15-day injured list this weekend against Boston. He is recovering from a bone bruise in his left elbow, his second such injury this year. Fried threw a 60-pitch, four-inning live batting practice on Monday and completed a bullpen session Thursday without setbacks. The left-hander, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2014, noted that his mechanics must be adjusted to prevent recurring pain during his follow-through.

The Yankees bullpen currently maintains the second-best ERA in the majors despite heavy workloads. Paul Blackburn has logged 71 innings, the fourth-highest total among relievers, while Brent Headrick leads the MLB with 68 appearances and 67 innings. However, Fernando Cruz was diagnosed with a partially torn UCL on Wednesday after 61 appearances and is considering Tommy John surgery. Ryan Weathers is sidelined with a low-grade forearm flexor strain sustained on August 22, with a projected return as a reliever in late September. Clarke Schmidt, recovering from July 2025 Tommy John surgery, threw 18 pitches in live batting practice this week and will begin a rehab assignment soon.

Giancarlo Stanton and Infield Updates

Giancarlo Stanton has been limited to 24 games in 2026 and remains out until at least late September. After recovering from two right calf strains, he suffered a left calf strain while running bases last week. This follows a 2024 postseason where Stanton recorded seven home runs, 16 RBIs, and a 1.048 OPS in 14 games. Third baseman Ryan McMahon is trending toward a return as early as Monday or Tuesday from a sprained left thumb suffered on August 19. To address depth, the Yankees recently signed Michael Fulmer, Justin Topa, and Eli Morgan. Fulmer debuted Wednesday with a scoreless eighth inning against the Houston Astros. The team currently awaits the return of Cody Bellinger and Carlos Rodon, who recently rejoined the active roster.