Out since the end of May, Judge's path back from a fractured rib has been slow and methodical. But we're starting to see some signs that he's picking up the pace in his rehab. He started a hitting progression last week and was cleared to take batting practice for the first time Tuesday, while also being cleared to throw up to 100 feet.
These are positive signs, though it doesn't necessarily mean Judge is on the verge of returning. He'll still have to face live pitching at least a few times before he is cleared, and the Yankees do have to balance their dwindling hopes of winning the division with their goal of having a healthy Judge for the playoffs. Which means they aren't going to rush him back.
But I do think his return could come quicker than you might think. Given Judge's experience and stature – not to mention the limited remaining minor-league schedule – there's a pretty good chance the Yankees opt to let him skip a minor-league rehab assignment. In fact, he hasn't gone on a minor-league rehab assignment since 2019, even after he missed nearly two months in 2023.
He also skipped a rehab assignment when he dealt with an elbow injury in 2025, instead spending a month-plus serving exclusively as a DH as he finished the rehab process. I suspect we'll see something like that this time around, where Judge returns as soon as he is cleared to hit, but likely spends a decent amount of time in the DH spot until he is fully ready. What does the timetable look like there?
I can't say, but I would guess he's back within the next two weeks, given that he's doing batting practice by now. That doesn't mean his return is imminent right now, but there should still be enough time for Judge to make an impact down the stretch. Here's what you might have missed from CBSSports.com's MLB coverage in recent days: Bullpen report.
Mason Montgomery looks like he has emerged as an elite closer. Scott White takes a look at the other noteworthy bullpen situations around baseball. Can the Brewers finally exorcise their playoff demons?
Extract — continue reading at the source.
