Aaron Judge will undergo further testing and the Yankees expect his return in August

ST. PETERSBURG.- The New York Yankees hope to have more clarity regarding the return of their star Aaron Judge during the All-Star break, when the outfielder will undergo new medical exams to evaluate the progress of the fracture in his right rib that has kept him out of action since last June 5.

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The club’s general manager, Brian Cashman, explained that the exams will allow them to know the progress of the healing process and determine when the captain of the Bombers will be able to resume higher-intensity activities.

“We do not expect the results to indicate a full recovery, but we are confident that they will show sufficient progress in the healing process,” noted Cashman.

According to the organization, the most optimistic scenario points to a return for Judge during the month of August, in the second half of the season.

The slugger believes the injury occurred on April 26, when he made a defensive play in Houston. Despite the fracture, he continued playing until the end of May, although manager Aaron Boone noticed discomfort when he swung the bat.

Since then, Judge has limited his preparation mainly to lower-body exercises, avoiding any movement that could affect the recovery of his rib cage.

Cashman explained that the player remains restricted in most upper-body related activities and that the new images will be decisive in expanding his rehabilitation program.

The absence of the two-time Most Valuable Player has coincided with a pronounced offensive slump for the Yankees. Although the team won eight of its first 13 games without its main star, it has subsequently lost 15 of its last 20 games.

Since June 18, New York has recorded just 56 runs scored, the lowest figure in the Major Leagues in that period, in addition to accumulating 212 strikeouts, the highest amount in the Majors.

“Of course you miss Aaron Judge, but that is not the only explanation for our performance. We have several important players going through offensive slumps at the same time,” concluded Cashman.