Overview
- Judge has not played since May 31 after suffering a right first‑rib fracture on April 26 and has steadily increased on‑field work from pool sessions to tee drills and overhand batting practice.
- He has taken overhand BP, is throwing up to 100 feet and says he feels well enough to target a September return without a Minor League rehab assignment.
- The Yankees say the decision will be symptom‑ and scan‑driven and that Judge must still face live high‑velocity pitching and controlled timing work before a final clearance is made.
- Judge expects to return to the outfield, likely right field, but plans to be cautious on high‑impact plays while rebuilding full game volume.
- The club and Judge point to his 2023 return without a MiL stint as precedent, and his availability in September would materially affect New York's late‑season lineup and roster planning.