Yankees Star Aaron Judge Takes Next Step in Long Injury Recovery

New York Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge was seen taking live batting practice on Monday.

Judge has been working his way back from a fractured right rib that has kept him out for months. But the slugger is likely to return very soon, and by the look of his swings, Judge looks ready to go. 

Over the weekend in San Diego, Judge was seen taking fly balls in the outfield. The Yankees have been trying to build him up in every aspect that they can before he returns to the field.

Judge even confirmed that the last step for him to come back was to face live pitching. And now that he has done so, his return to the Yankees could be imminent.

“We’re hitting all the baseball stuff,” Judge said. “Throwing to bases, throwing, running the bases. Hitting, getting on the field, moving around. I think [we need to] face some live pitching and then I’ll get back out there.

Being out for so long, Judge understands that he could be a little rusty upon his return. But the veteran has been working hard to avoid this happening.

Before his injury, Judge was on pace to have another very strong season. For the season, Judge had hit .248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs, while posting an OPS of .908.

Without Judge in the lineup, the Yankees offense has fallen down the ranks, seeing New York become one of the more inconsistent teams in baseball. But if the slugger can return this week, it could provide a massive spark for this clubhouse.

"Just trying to get the volume up so that we can be in a good spot," Judge said. "Not doing nothing for three months, it feels like it's an offseason, you're kind of going back into spring training."

His recovery has been frustrating for all parties, with Judge himself not understanding why it's taken so long

“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.”

With the Yankees fighting for playoff positioning, the return of Judge couldn't be coming at a better time. New York understands that it could take him a few weeks to fully ramp back up, putting him right in place for the playoffs to start.