New York Yankees slugger and reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge last played on May 31.
After suffering a rib injury, Judge landed on the IL, and it remains to be seen when, or if, he returns this season. However, during a media scrum on Wednesday, Judge had five words that fans have been waiting to hear.
“I’ll be back this season,” Judge said. “I don’t know why I wouldn’t be. That was always the plan. I’ve never had a thought of not playing this year.”
"I'll be back this season."
— SNY Yankees (@snyyankees) August 5, 2026
– Aaron Judge pic.twitter.com/FVlzYqa91p
Judge was diagnosed with a stress fracture of the first rib on his right side, although the slugger admitted that he believes he first felt the pain in late April.
While the timeline for Judge’s return was always unclear, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said both he and Judge were “very confident” that he would play again this season.
On the year, Judge is hitting .248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs, and the Yankees entered Wednesday in second place in the American League East.
Judge has now been cleared for light baseball activities, which is a notable update as the Yankees and the fans await his return.
Aaron Judge underwent scans and has been cleared for light activity, including outdoor running and upper body resistance, Aaron Boone said.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) August 5, 2026
New York did make a small splash at the trade deadline by acquiring Washington Nationals first baseman Luis Garcia Jr., but getting Judge back before the playoffs would be a massive boost.
