Aug 30, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) looks on from the dugout during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The significant steps toward a return are coming a lot more often now for Aaron Judge, as the chance of him rejoining the Yankees as soon as next week continues to increase.
Manager Aaron Boone disclosed that the slugger took batting practice off the Trajekt pitching machine over the weekend before the Yankees departed New York for their series against the Los Angeles Angels — another hurdle cleared in his methodical hitting progression.
It was the last possible time that Judge could hit off the Trajekt until next week. The machine, which recreates the exact pitches of MLB pitchers, is only available to home teams. The Yankees are not back in the Bronx until Sept. 8 against the Rockies.
“He did quite a bit of hitting and spaced it out a little bit,” Boone told reporters in Los Angeles. “… He’s doing well. I talked to him again [Tuesday]; he feels really good. He’s running well; his speed’s in a good place; his strength’s in a good place.”
Judge, who remains with the team, can still face high-velocity pitching machines and even get in the box during bullpen sessions, as he did on Tuesday against Max Fried.
“Now, it’s just about reps and building that endurance,” Boone said.
The two-time defending American League MVP has not appeared in a game since May 31 after fracturing his right rib. The Yankees have been fighting to keep their heads above .500 without him, going 43-37 entering Wednesday’s series finale.
It does not have to be said what Judge’s return will do to the Yankees, and it will be coming at a perfect time. The Yankees trail the Tampa Bay Rays by 4.5 games for the AL East lead and are holding off the Boston Red Sox for the top spot in the Wild Card race.
They luckily have the benefit of playing in a weak league that features just six teams with a winning record.
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