The wait is finally over.
The New York Yankees have officially reinstated Aaron Judge from the 60-day injured list, clearing the way for their superstar captain to return to the lineup after missing more than three months with a broken right rib.
Judge’s return could not come at a more important time for New York.
Judge Returns for the Stretch Run
Judge has not played since May 31, when his season was interrupted by the rib injury. After spending months working his way back, the three-time MVP is finally ready to rejoin the Yankees.
He participated in batting practice and ran the bases during New York’s recent West Coast trip before facing live pitching as the final major step in his comeback. The Yankees decided not to send him on a minor league rehab assignment.
Now, Judge is back on the active roster.
The Yankees Need Him
New York desperately needs its captain.
The Yankees currently sit 81-62, four games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East with only 19 games remaining. They also hold a two-game advantage over Boston for the top American League Wild Card position.
Judge’s absence has been noticeable.
Before his injury, New York hit .243 with a .770 OPS. During the 84 games Judge missed, the Yankees hit just .227 with a .681 OPS, showing just how much the lineup struggled without its biggest star.
Can Judge Make an Immediate Impact?
Judge enters his return hitting .248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs in 59 games.
Those numbers are obviously below the extraordinary standards he has established throughout his career, but the Yankees aren’t asking him to carry the entire team immediately.
They simply need his presence.
With Judge back in the lineup, opposing pitchers have to deal with one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters again. His return should also provide protection for the rest of New York’s lineup as the Yankees attempt to chase down Tampa Bay and secure a postseason spot.
The Timing Couldn’t Be Better
The Yankees open a three game home series against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, giving Judge the opportunity to make his long-awaited return at Yankee Stadium.
After watching the Yankees battle through the summer without him, fans finally get to see No. 99 back in the Bronx.
Aaron Judge is back, and the Yankees couldn’t have picked a more important time to get their captain back. With the postseason race entering its final stretch, New York is hoping Judge’s return can spark one last push toward October.
