Yankees Mull Judge Return Date Amid Slump

Judge’s Injury Timeline

Aaron Judge was placed on the 10‑day injured list on June 4 after a stress fracture was found in his right first rib. Yankees officials initially said the 4‑6‑week re‑imaging window would determine his healing progress. The team’s MLB insider, Jon Heyman, indicated that a specific return date is being considered, though it remains unpublicized. Exactly six weeks after the injury—next Thursday, July 16—will have passed, leaving a narrow window for a potential August comeback.

Impact on the Lineup

Without Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees have lost 13 of 15 games and 15 of their last 20 contests. Judge was batting .248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs before the setback. The absence of both power hitters has left the Bronx Bombers struggling offensively, ranking last in MLB batting average (.217), on‑base percentage (.279) and strikeout percentage (27%) since June 1.

Front‑Office Outlook

Jon Heyman of the New York Post said on “The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman” that the Yankees have a date in mind for Judge’s re‑imaging, but are keeping it under wraps for now. When asked if the team may have peaked in mid‑June, Heyman replied, “It’s possible they peaked. I don’t think they’re in trouble, with one caveat. If Judge does not come back…” He added that a prolonged absence would be a worst‑case scenario, though no signs point to that yet. The organization appears cautious, likely waiting to confirm healing before committing to a return timetable.

What August Could Bring

Assuming the re‑imaging goes smoothly and Judge needs a couple of weeks to ramp up, he could be back in August. An August return would align with the Yankees’ stretch run, offering a boost to a lineup that currently sits well below its average offensive output. Re‑establishing Judge and Stanton at the plate could improve run production and shift the team’s standing in a division where every win matters.

The Yankees’ immediate focus remains on managing Judge’s recovery while addressing the ongoing offensive slump. Fans and analysts will watch the upcoming medical updates closely, as the team’s trajectory hinges on whether Judge can rejoin the lineup before the postseason chase intensifies.