Aaron Judge Faces Return Hurdles as Yankees Edge Nationals 5-3

Aaron Judge missed the Yankees’ 5-3 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday night, keeping the team’s biggest power bat on the sidelines as they opened a three‑game series.

The New York Yankees traveled to Washington, D.C., and captured a 5-3 win against the Nationals. The game unfolded without Judge, who has been out since May 31. Despite his absence, the lineup produced enough offense to secure the win, highlighting the depth of the roster while underscoring the void left by the towering outfielder.

Judge’s season‑long slump in the lineup stems from a lingering rib‑cage issue that landed him on the injured list on May 31. As of the latest MLB.com report on July 9, he is batting .248 with 53 hits, 17 home runs, 38 RBIs, 43 runs and five stolen bases in 59 games. The league source noted that the Yankees plan to image his rib during the All‑Star break, hoping the scan will guide a return‑to‑play plan. Lower‑body work and weight‑room sessions have kept him active, but upper‑body movements remain restricted.

Evan Roberts of WFAN emphasized the team’s dependence on Judge, saying the Yankees have never leaned on a single player as heavily. Without Judge’s bat, New York has leaned on collective hitting, but the power gap is evident. The inability to swing fully or generate torque in the upper body limits his effectiveness, even if he were cleared to play. This limitation forces the club to adjust lineups and rely on younger talent to fill the power void.

The upcoming All‑Star break will feature the promised imaging, a step the organization hopes will clarify the healing timeline. If the scan shows progress, Judge could rejoin the roster before the postseason push. Until then, the Yankees must navigate a schedule that includes tough road trips and a competitive AL East race, all while managing the psychological impact of missing their marquee slugger.

The win over Washington keeps the Yankees within striking distance of the division lead, but the lingering injury adds a layer of uncertainty. Rival clubs are watching closely; any prolonged absence could tilt the balance in favor of teams like the Boston Red Sox or Toronto Blue Jays, who are capitalizing on New York’s reduced firepower.

Outfielders Aaron Hicks and Joey Gallo have seen increased at‑bats, delivering clutch hits that helped seal the 5-3 victory. Pitcher Gerrit Cole also contributed, delivering six solid innings while limiting the Nationals to two runs. Their performances illustrate the team’s ability to adapt, yet the consensus among analysts is that a healthy Judge would elevate the Yankees from contenders to favorites.

If imaging confirms steady healing, the Yankees could see Judge back in the lineup by mid‑August, providing a timely boost before the playoff stretch. Until that day arrives, New York will continue to test its depth, hoping the collective effort can mask the absence of its most iconic power hitter.