Aaron Judge's Rib Injury Recovery Holds Yankees' Fate

Aaron Judge's recovery from a stress fracture in his first right rib remains the Yankees' biggest question mark as they push toward the postseason. The slugger hasn't played since May 31, and while recent imaging shows progress, there's still no clear timeline for his return.

What's the latest on Judge's injury?

New imaging during the All-Star break revealed some healing in Judge's rib, but Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasized that the team is still waiting on Dr. Gregory Pearl’s final assessment before Judge can resume baseball activities. Pearl confirmed Judge is improving but needs more time before upper-body workouts, including swinging a bat.

Why is Judge's return so critical for the Yankees?

The Yankees have struggled without Judge, going 18-20 in the 38 games since his injury. Despite their second-best record in the AL, their playoff success hinges on his return. With a $40 million salary, Judge is the team's highest-paid player and a cornerstone of their offense.

How does Judge's absence compare to other star injuries?

Mookie Betts of the Dodgers compared the Yankees' situation to playing without Shohei Ohtani, highlighting Judge's irreplaceable value. The Yankees' playoff hopes remain strong, but their ceiling is limited without their star slugger.

What’s next for Judge and the Yankees?

Judge remains optimistic about returning this season, but the Yankees will likely be without him well into August. Until then, they must navigate a weak AL without their MVP-caliber player if they hope to make a deep playoff run.