The New York Yankees have recently been slumping, but they may be getting a boost soon.
Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge took batting practice Sunday at the team's minor league complex in Tampa Bay, via Erik Boland of Newsday. The 33-year-old slugger is now expected to return to New York's lineup in Tuesday's road game against the Texas Rangers.
Aaron Judge finished up live BP at the club's minor league complex in Tampa about 45 minutes ago. According to one observer, included in Judge's at-bats was a HR & a ground rule 2B. He's scheduled to take more ABs at the complex on Monday & is expected back in the lineup Tuesday
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) August 3, 2025
The Yankees placed Judge on the 10-day injured list on July 27 because of a flexor strain in his right elbow. He suffered the injury during a 5-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on July 22 when throwing a ball from the outfield.
New York manager Aaron Boone indicated the injury isn't a long-term concern, but they'll start Judge at designated hitter as a precaution.
"No acute injury to the UCL. Overall, that's the good news," the manager said July 27, via MLB.com's Bill Ladson. "With those first few days coming off the IL, it's probably DH mode. Then he'll start throwing ... and hopefully, get back to the outfield shortly thereafter."
Still, that's better than no Judge, especially for a team that's losing ground in the American League East race.
Entering Sunday, New York (60-51) was third in the division behind the Boston Red Sox (62-51) and the Blue Jays (65-47). The Yankees had also dropped six of their past 10 games, including a shocking 13-12 home loss to the Miami Marlins on Friday.
Judge was producing stellar numbers before the injury. In 377 at-bats in 103 games, the two-time AL MVP slashed .342/.449/.711 with 37 home runs.
Judge returning at full power would help the Yankees rediscover their groove in the second half of the season.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!