Yankees Announce Aaron Judge Update Before Angels Game

Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Yankees Announce Aaron Judge Update Before Angels Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 31, 2026 8:22 PM ET

The New York Yankees are looking to get Aaron Judge back and productive for the MLB playoffs.

The 34-year-old veteran has not played since May 31 after suffering a stress fracture in his right rib. He officially landed on the 10-day injured list on June 5 before eventually being transferred to the 60-day IL.

However, Judge has made plenty of progress throughout the month of August. He has been running, playing catch and taking swings, doing all types of baseball activity.

Judge has also made it clear he sees no point in going on a rehab assignment and wants to be right back with his teammates in the Bronx as soon as he passes all the necessary tests.

New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99)John Jones-Imagn Images

Ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Los Angeles Angels, manager Aaron Boone provided an update on his return timeline and the soonest he can be back with the team.

Boone was asked by reporters if Judge would be able to return during New York’s next homestand and responded that it is possible, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.

Boone was adamant about not putting an exact date on it, however. The Yankees still have another series with the San Diego Padres later this week after their current three-game set with the Angels, making the earliest possible return date September 8 when New York comes home to host the Colorado Rockies for a three-game set.

Aaron Boone said “it’s possible” that Aaron Judge is back the next homestand but he’s not putting a date on it.
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) September 1, 2026

Given how long Judge has missed, there is a possibility he sees time as the designated hitter before returning to the outfield, easing him back into game action rather than putting him in a position to strain himself defensively right away.

Getting Judge back as soon as possible would be a massive boost for this offense. The three-time MVP owned a .248 batting average, .375 on-base percentage, .907 OPS, 17 home runs and 38 RBIs before going down.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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