Yankees make expected Aaron Judge move official

The New York Yankees did not receive good news regarding outfielder Aaron Judge on Friday.

Although the stress fracture in his first rib is improving, Judge has yet to begin baseball activities. Any hope that Judge would return by mid-August is likely gone, with a September return the more probable timeline. 

As Judge is not expected back any time soon, he was placed on the 60-day Injured List on Saturday. Minor league pitcher Bradley Hanner was added to the 40-man roster after signing a major league contract and was optioned to Triple-A.

Aaron Judge's timeline makes the New York Yankees' road to the postseason more difficult

Hanner is a good story. He was originally selected by the Twins in the 21st round of the 2019 MLB Draft, spending three years in their organization before moving to the Guardians. Hanner spent another three years in the Guardians system before signing with the Yankees as a minor league free agent. 

That move may turn out to be a steal for the Yankees as Hanner has posted a 1.99 ERA and a 1.156 WHIP over 40.2 innings in Triple-A, striking out 50 batters with 16 walks. He could be an option in the coming weeks as the Yankees look to bolster their bullpen.

Judge's continued absence, meanwhile, is a devastating blow for the Yankees. They have an 18-19 record since Judge landed on the IL on June 2, as they have struggled to find consistency in a lineup that remains overly dependent on the prodigious slugger. The Yankees already need to find upgrades behind the plate and on the left side of the infield; now they need to add another impact bat to help mitigate losing Judge for an extended period.