Aaron Judge Placed on 60‑Day IL as Yankees Activate Hanner

Judge’s Injury Update

New York moved its captain, Aaron Judge, to the 60‑day injured list on Saturday, citing the need for another imaging scan as his fractured rib continues to heal. Judge, who has been sidelined since May 31, last saw a doctor review a scan during the All‑Star break, but Yankees manager Aaron Boone says he still cannot begin baseball activities. “Obviously healing is going on, which is good, but still not able to start any baseball activities,” Boone explained after a rained‑out game with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Judge is hitting .248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs this season, but he posted just one homer in his final 18 games before the injury. The Yankees were 36‑23 when Judge last played, and they sit at 18‑20 in his absence, underscoring how his health affects the club’s playoff chances.

Yankees’ Rotation Changes

To clear a 40‑man roster spot for the newly promoted right‑hander Bradley Hanner, Judge’s move to the 60‑day IL became a procedural formality. Hanner was selected from Triple‑A Scranton/Wilkes‑Barre and then immediately optioned back to the RailRiders, keeping the Yankees’ bullpen flexible for upcoming matchups. The roster shuffle also opens the door for other young arms to prove themselves in the minors. Manager Aaron Boone described the decision as a routine move aimed at bolstering depth rather than a response to any immediate need.

Clarke Schmidt’s Pitching Rehab

Right‑hander Clarke Schmidt threw an inning of batting practice for the first time since his Tommy John surgery on July 11 last year, reaching velocities of 95 mph. The 30‑year‑old threw four‑seamers, sinkers, and cutters to Anthony Volpe and Ali Sánchez, feeling “close to” game‑day conditions despite the absence of breaking pitches. Schmidt, who had an internal brace during his operation, said the bullpen phase is now “a little more easier” than his first comeback. He plans to throw another batting‑practice session in four or five days and is willing to serve as an opener or bridge pitcher if the Yankees need him later this season.

Max Fried Returns to the Mound

Left‑hander Max Fried, sidelined since May 14 with a left elbow bone bruise, made his first minor‑league rehab start Friday for Triple‑A Scranton/Wilkes‑Barre. Fried allowed two runs and five hits over three innings, striking out three and walking none while tossing 52 pitches. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised his “really good” feel and announced another rehab outing in five days, with plans to increase the workload. If the progression continues, Fried could be slated for a major‑league return before the season’s end, adding depth to New York’s rotation.

Prospect George Lombard Jr. Hits His Stride

Shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. returned to action Friday, going 2‑for‑3 with a home run and a walk for the RailRiders after missing time due to sprained fingers. The 21‑year‑old son of a former major leaguer is hitting .239 with five homers, 16 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 43 Triple‑A games. Manager Aaron Boone, noting how highly he values Lombard, sees the recent performance as a boost to the youngster’s status in the organization. Boone expects Lombard to “stack some days” of consistent play as he works back from his hand injury.