Aaron Judge Set for Return After Reimaging Plan Revealed
Aaron Judge is slated to begin his comeback after the Yankees announced a reimaging plan during the All‑Star break, sources said on Wednesday, July 9, 2026.
The Yankees confirmed that third‑base coach Brian Cashman told reporters Judge will undergo a “reimaging” procedure while the club is on break. The move follows a fractured right wrist that has kept him out since May 31. No exact return date was given, but insiders suggest the team is targeting a timeline that aligns with the mid‑season pause.
Before the injury, Judge was batting .248 with 17 home runs, 38 RBIs, 43 runs and five stolen bases in 59 games. Those numbers place him among the league’s power hitters, despite a modest average. His production has been a bright spot for a Yankees squad that sits 50‑42, second in the AL East, and has struggled to score more than five runs in 20 straight games.
New York fell 3‑0 to the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, dropping the series to 2‑1. The loss extended a recent slump-the team has gone 2‑8 in its last ten outings. With the Yankees trailing the Rays by five games in the division, Judge’s power bat could be the difference between a playoff push and a mid‑season lull. His presence also eases pressure on the middle of the lineup, which has relied heavily on younger players to fill the void.
Social‑media chatter points to a six‑week recovery window for the fracture, with reimaging expected to take four to six weeks. Some fans estimate Judge could be cleared for baseball activities by late next week, hitting the six‑week mark. Others note that a typical wrist fracture needs 10‑12 weeks, suggesting a later return in August. The Yankees have not confirmed a specific date, preferring to keep options open.
After the Rays series, New York heads to Washington for a three‑game set before the All‑Star break. Those games could be crucial for the club’s momentum, especially if Judge is cleared to practice during the pause. A healthy Judge returning in late August would give the Yankees a late‑season boost as they chase the division lead.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today noted the Yankees have now tied a franchise record by failing to score more than five runs in 20 consecutive games. The offensive drought underscores how much the team relies on Judge’s slugging power. Without him, New York has struggled to generate runs, a trend that could continue if his recovery lags.
Tweets from @JLas43_ and @DarrinS127649 reflect optimism that a clear plan is finally in place. @Realadamkaufman highlighted the typical recovery timeline, suggesting the Yankees are aiming for a late‑July or early‑August return. The buzz on social platforms shows a mix of patience and anticipation among the fanbase.
The club will finish its road swing against the Nationals before the All‑Star break, then regroup for a home stretch. If Judge’s reimaging goes smoothly, he could rejoin the lineup for the final push in September, when the AL East race tightens. The Yankees’ front office appears ready to adjust the timeline as needed, keeping the door open for a timely return.