The star outfielder returns after missing 83 games due to a rib fracture and will be used again as a starter in right field

NEW YORK, USA.- The New York Yankees received important news with the return of their captain Aaron Judge, who was activated Monday from the 60-day injured list and became available to rejoin the team after remaining out of action for nearly three months.

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Judge returned to the roster before the start of the Yankees’ series against the Rockies at Yankee Stadium, after completing a practice in which he faced live pitching for the first time since suffering a rib fracture in late May.

The slugger did not need to participate in a Minor League rehab assignment. Manager Aaron Boone explained that the club will carefully manage his return to help him regain his rhythm and stamina, even contemplating initially limiting his participation to between five and seven innings.

Before entering the injured list on June 5th, Judge was batting for a .248 average, with a .375 on-base percentage and a .533 slugging percentage, in addition to accumulating 17 home runs and 38 runs batted in.

The injury forced the three-time American League Most Valuable Player to miss 83 games. During that period, the Yankees recorded a 45-38 record.

Preparation for the return

Judge began to progressively increase his workload after receiving clearance to resume baseball activities in August.

The outfielder went from performing tee exercises and soft tosses to facing overhand pitches, in addition to working with high-velocity pitching machines. He also ran the bases and performed defensive drills in the outfield.

For the Yankees, the plan is to use him again as the starting right fielder and not limit him exclusively to the designated hitter role.

Judge acknowledged that he might need time to fully regain his rhythm, although he is confident that his power and hitting speed will continue to be important tools for the team.

The organization also intends for the player to be more careful with defensive plays that involve headfirst slides, an action that was precisely related to the injury suffered on April 26 during a game in Houston.

With his return, the Yankees regain one of their main offensive figures in the final stretch of the season, at a time when the team is looking to reach the postseason in the best possible condition.