Aaron Judge returns to Yankees after 83 games missed with rib injury ahead of postseason push

close Video Alanna Rizzo Predicts MLB Playoffs Alanna Rizzo shares her thoughts on the MLB post-season. The Bronx Bombers are getting their captain back. Aaron Judge is making his long-awaited return from the 60-day injured list, as the New York Yankees announced his reinstatement ahead of their series against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. Judge has spent the last three months on the injured list with a stress fracture in his right first rib, which he suffered in late May. MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS. COM New York Yankees' Aaron Judge rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, on April 27, 2026. (Tony Gutierrez/AP) On Monday, Judge was seen working out at Yankee Stadium, facing live batting practice and hitting the ball all over the field, indicating he was healthy enough to go against big league arms. In fact, the Yankees opted not to give Judge a minor-league rehab assignment. Manager Aaron Boone noted there were more creative ways to build Judge’s stamina for a postseason run in September, which includes potentially playing in games with the Yankees and being pulled before nine innings are complete. Judge has been working his way back since he was cleared to do baseball activities in August. He was simply hitting off a tee, or getting soft toss, before he could take real batting practice on the field. He was seen in San Diego with the team during their West Coast road trip hitting before games. JAZZ CHISHOLM JR SAYS KNICKS CHAMPIONSHIP PARADE FUELS HIS WORLD SERIES HUNGER WITH YANKEES Judge has also been facing a high-velocity pitching machine, while doing outfield and baserunning drills to increase his stamina and get him ready for his role in right field once again. Either way, the Yankees get back their three-time MVP outfielder and a key cog in their hopes of returning to the World Series. New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) connects for a base hit against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of Game 1 of an American League Wild Card baseball playoff series, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) New York is still four games behind the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, but they own the top American League Wild Card slot with a nine-game lead heading into Tuesday’s start against the Rockies.