Aaron Judge’s rib injury not fully healed, still not cleared for baseball activities

By Mason Reed — 18 July 2026 — 3 min read

Judge’s Rib Injury Update

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge has not yet resumed baseball activities as he continues to recover from a rib injury. The injury has kept him sidelined since early June. Recent re-imaging of his injured rib showed some progress in healing, but the bone is not yet fully mended.

Judge indicated that the team is awaiting consultation from another doctor to determine the next steps in his rehabilitation. He expressed confidence in returning to play this season, stating he does not see why he would not. Further rehabilitation and imaging will be necessary before he receives clearance to resume baseball activities.

The Yankees are waiting to consult with Dr. Gregory Pearl, a Dallas-based orthopedist specializing in rib and shoulder issues, regarding when Judge will undergo his next re-imaging. Judge previously mentioned that he sustained a right rib stress fracture in late April, which he initially felt after attempting a diving catch on April 26. He continued to play through the discomfort until being placed on the injured list retroactively to June 2.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman had stated earlier that re-imaging of Judge’s injury was anticipated during the All-Star break, with hopes of seeing progress in the healing process. An August return was previously considered a best-case scenario for Judge.

Team Performance Amidst Absences

Despite injuries affecting both the batting lineup and pitching rotation, the Yankees have maintained their position in contention for the top spot in the AL East. The team’s record places them behind the Tampa Bay Rays as they approached a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Yankees are looking forward to the potential return of key players like Judge, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodón in the latter half of the season to boost their postseason aspirations. The recovery timelines for these players could influence the team’s strategy leading up to the August 3 trade deadline.

Max Fried began a rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and there is a possibility of his return after one or two more appearances. Carlos Rodón is in the early stages of recovery from elbow inflammation, while Clarke Schmidt, who underwent TJ surgery, is now facing live hitters. Giancarlo Stanton is also progressing, having resumed running on the field.

The absence of Judge has impacted the team’s offense, with some players experiencing a decline in performance. However, the team aims to lessen the impact of his absence through run-prevention strategies. The Yankees are equipped for this approach, especially if they pursue another front-line starter at the trade deadline.

Before his injury, Judge had recorded 17 home runs and 38 RBI. The team’s manager, Aaron Boone, expressed confidence in the team’s capable players and their ability to continue playing well, anticipating Judge’s eventual return this season.

Looking Ahead for the Yankees

The Yankees are navigating a challenging period without their prominent slugger. The team’s ability to maintain its competitive standing in the AL East will depend on the continued performance of its current roster and the eventual return of injured players.

The team’s strategy for the trade deadline may be influenced by the recovery progress of Judge and other key players. The hope is that reinforcements from the injured list will provide a significant boost for the remainder of the season.

The situation highlights the importance of key players to team success, with Judge’s role being compared to that of Shohei Ohtani for the Dodgers. Both players are considered irreplaceable for their respective teams, underscoring the challenge of competing without them.

The team finished the first half of the season on a positive note, and the focus remains on maintaining strong play. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as the Yankees await further updates on Judge’s recovery and consider potential roster adjustments.

Cody Bellinger, who experienced a challenging period, closed the first half of the season with an improved performance and earned the All-Star Game MVP award.

Source: newsday.com

Mason Reed

Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.