Yankees Officially Activate Aaron Judge After Long IL Stint

The New York Yankees have officially activated star outfielder Aaron Judge from the injured list, ending a long three-month stint for the slugger. Judge will play in the team's series against the Colorado Rockies.

Judge had been out due to a right rib fracture that first occurred on April 26. The slugger hurt himself while making a diving catch, but he proceeded to play through the discomfort before it became too much to handle.

He last played on May 31.

New York optioned right-hander Elmer Rodriguez yesterday and then made another roster move to make room for Judge. Right-hander Chase Hampton was designated for assignment to open roster space on the 40-man roster.

Judge was originally projected to be out for 4-to-6 weeks, but the issue lingered on during the recovery process. But he's back now, ready to help the Yankees get back to being a dominant team on the field.

“I’m mad how long it’s taking,” Judge said. “It is what it is. I wish it was real two months ago, but we’re at this point, and we’re getting close. Can’t wait to be back out there.”

The veteran skipped a rehab assignment, saying that he didn't want to waste any time. New York is in the middle of a playoff race, and Judge understands that every game matters at this point in the year.

The Yankees are four games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East, with the two sides still having four matchups against one another. New York has been battling from behind all year long, but the rest of the guys on the roster have helped keep pace while Judge has been out.

New York is in good shape to make the playoffs, even as a wild-card team. But the Yankees would love the chance to win the division, and getting the spark from Judge could push them over the top.

Without Judge in the lineup, the Yankees' offense has fallen toward the bottom of the league. But having the slugger back could see the team get back to normal, giving them an outside chance to catch the Rays.

Judge had hit .248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs, while putting up an OPS of .908 before going out with the injury. But some of the struggles came post injury.

Now that Judge is back, the Yankees could do some real damage down the stretch, and hopefully for their sake, into the playoffs.