Yankees Announce Aaron Judge News After 77 Missed Games

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 30, 2026 11:59 AM ET

The New York Yankees offense has struggled to produce since superstar right fielder Aaron Judge went down on May 31. Judge has not appeared in a game since, with his absence about to extend past three months.

He has been recovering from a stress fracture in his right rib. Judge originally tried playing through the discomfort but was unable to.

In recent weeks he has taken multiple steps forward in baseball activities, including throwing, running and hitting in the batting cages. He has also mentioned how he fully intends to skip a rehab assignment and return directly to the team once he and the organization feel he is ready sometime in September.

New York Yankees injured right fielder Aaron Judge (99)Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Yankees are a completely different lineup with Judge in there. Before going down, the 34-year-old veteran had posted a .248 batting average, .375 on-base percentage, .907 OPS, 17 home runs and 38 RBIs across 214 at-bats.

Manager Aaron Boone spoke with reporters ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the Boston Red Sox, with New York looking to split the four-game set after dropping two of the first three games against their American League East rivals.

Boone revealed that Judge would be traveling with the team on their upcoming road trip to Anaheim and San Diego as the Yankees prepare to face the Angels and Padres. He outlined the next step for Judge, which includes hitting off velocity and participating in pre-game work (h/t Jorge Castillo of ESPN).

Aaron Judge is going on the Yankees’ road trip to Anaheim and San Diego, Aaron Boone said. Boone said they hope Judge can take the next steps in his progression out there, including hitting velocity and taking part in pregame work.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) August 30, 2026

Once Judge clears those hurdles, it remains unclear if the next step is returning directly to game action with the Yankees rather than heading to their Triple-A affiliate first, which Judge has indicated is his preference.

New York needs Judge back as soon as possible, and the earlier he returns in September the better, allowing him time to shake off the rust and get back into a groove before the postseason arrives.