Aaron Judge sent to 60-day IL as Yankees brace for long absence

Aaron Judge was placed on the 60-day injured list by the New York Yankees on Friday, 18 Jul 2026, ending any chance he returns before the All-Star break and likely pushing his comeback to September.

What happened to Aaron Judge?

The Yankees moved Judge from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL on Friday after specialist Dr. Gregory Pearl confirmed he remains unable to resume baseball activities. Manager Aaron Boone told reporters that Judge is healing but still not cleared for upper-body work or overhead lifting. The 34-year-old slugger has felt some dull pain relief, yet remains limited to light neck exercises and lower-body work.

Why it matters for Aaron Judge

Judge’s absence removes a top run producer from the Yankees lineup and lowers the team’s offensive ceiling for at least the next six weeks. Boone said the club expects Judge to return this season, but a definitive timetable won’t arrive until after his next imaging session in a couple weeks. Fantasy managers should expect no return before mid-August and a realistic chance he misses until September.

What comes next for the Yankees?

Spencer Jones will slot into Judge’s spot in right field until Jasson Dominguez returns from injury. Boone hinted at more José Caballero in right field and Anthony Volpe shifting to shortstop while Judge recovers. Cashman said the team anticipates a gradual healing process rather than an abrupt return, meaning Judge will need time to ramp up once cleared.

When could Aaron Judge return?

Judge was initially expected to miss 4-6 weeks after fracturing his rib in early June. Boone now says a late July or early August return is possible only if imaging shows clear progress. The Yankees face Boston on Friday, so Judge won’t play then. His next steps hinge on re-imaging in a couple weeks, with a clearer picture of his return timeline expected soon after.