Aaron Judge warned over Yankees return amid uncertainty: ex-announcer weighs in

Aaron Judge is facing fresh warnings about his return to the New York Yankees amid growing uncertainty over his timeline.

The warnings come from former Yankees star announcer John Sterling and others close to the club. Judge has been sidelined with a lingering oblique injury that has kept him off the field since mid-June.

What happened with Aaron Judge’s return?

John Sterling, the longtime voice of the Yankees, recently shared concerns about Judge’s readiness. Sterling, who retired after the 2023 season, told reporters that Judge’s recovery hasn’t progressed as hoped. The slugger last played on June 13 before landing on the injured list with an oblique strain.

But the uncertainty isn’t just from the broadcast booth. Multiple sources inside the organization have hinted that Judge’s rehab has hit snags. His absence has already cost the Yankees in key matchups, including a 5-2 loss to the Red Sox on July 10 where Judge’s bat was sorely missed.

Why it matters for Aaron Judge

For Judge, the timing couldn’t be worse. The Yankees are locked in a tight AL East race with the Orioles and Red Sox. His bat-hitting .267 with 27 homers in 78 games before the injury-is a cornerstone of New York’s lineup. Without him, the lineup has sputtered, averaging just 3.8 runs per game in his absence.

The injury itself isn’t new. Judge has battled oblique issues before, including a stint on the IL in 2022. But this time, the recovery has dragged longer than expected. His return date remains a moving target, with no clear timeline from the team.

What comes next for Judge and the Yankees?

The Yankees plan to re-evaluate Judge’s status after the All-Star break. Manager Aaron Boone said the club will proceed cautiously. “We’re not going to rush Aaron back,” Boone told reporters on July 15. “His health is the priority.”

Judge’s next steps could include a minor-league rehab assignment before a potential return. But even that isn’t guaranteed. The Yankees have managed without him so far, but the longer he’s out, the harder it becomes to justify his spot in the lineup.

For now, Yankees fans are left waiting-and wondering. Judge’s return isn’t just about one player. It’s about the team’s playoff push.